- Kazakhstan has become the 6th-largest global exporter of sunflower oil and a top-3 supplier of sunflower meal to the EU.
- Over 410,000 tonnes of fat and oil products were shipped from Kazakhstan to EU markets in the last three years.
- NAPMK members process more than 90% of Kazakhstan’s oilseed crushing capacity, consolidating export flows.
- Rising EU demand for Kazakh sunflower and rapeseed oil is reshaping Black Sea–EU freight patterns.
- Growth in crushing capacity in Kazakhstan shifts value-added processing away from European plants.
Kazakhstan’s Expanding Role in EU Oilseed Trade
Kazakhstan has firmly established itself as a key oilseed exporter to the European Union, reaching 6th place globally in sunflower oil exports by the end of 2025. The country has also moved into the top three suppliers of sunflower meal to EU buyers, underscoring its growing influence in value-added oilseed products.
According to the National Association of Oilseed Processors of Kazakhstan (NAPMK), domestic oil mills exported more than 410,000 tonnes of fat and oil products to the EU over the past three years. The main export items include high-protein sunflower meal, widely used in animal feed, and granulated sunflower husk, which serves as an environmentally friendly biofuel. European demand for both rapeseed oil and sunflower oil from Kazakhstan is reported to be on the rise.
Industry Structure and Processing Capacity
NAPMK, founded in 2021, unites 50 oilseed processing facilities that collectively account for over 90% of Kazakhstan’s oilseed crushing capacity. These mills act as the primary suppliers of oil and fat products to domestic consumers and international markets. The association is accredited by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration and Ministry of Agriculture, giving it an important role in coordinating sector development and export strategy.
Export Volumes and Product Mix
| Indicator | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total fat & oil product exports to EU (3 years) | >410,000 tonnes | Includes sunflower meal and granulated husk |
| Global rank in sunflower oil exports | 6th | As of end-2025 |
| Position in EU sunflower meal imports | Top 3 supplier | Among leading EU import sources |
| Number of oilseed mills in NAPMK | 50 plants | Process >90% of Kazakhstan oilseeds |
The export basket emphasizes processed products rather than raw seeds, reflecting substantial investment in domestic crushing capacity. This shift increases Kazakhstan’s share of value-added margins in the oilseed chain and stabilizes export flows of meal and byproducts, which are closely tied to livestock feed and bioenergy demand in Europe.
Implications for Black Sea Freight and EU Sourcing
Kazakhstan’s rising presence in EU oilseed markets is reshaping regional freight dynamics. The steady flow of more than 410,000 tonnes over three years supports sustained cargo availability for vessels operating Black Sea–EU routes, including via Caspian transshipment corridors. For shipowners and charterers, this creates additional backhaul and triangulation options alongside traditional Ukraine and Russia load ports.
For European buyers, Kazakhstan offers diversification away from established Black Sea origins, potentially increasing competition on both freight and FOB pricing. The growing focus on meal exports indicates that more crushing is occurring in Kazakhstan itself, which can reduce volumes of raw sunflower seed shipped into the EU for processing, while increasing flows of bulk meal and biofuel feedstocks. Over time, this may alter utilization rates at European crushing plants and shift demand toward logistics chains optimized for processed products rather than raw seed imports.
Source: Market Data
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