Trend for export of oilseeds and oils

Jan. 22, 2026 441 views

Export of oilseeds and oils in 2026 is not a race for volumes, but a game of endurance and consistency

In recent years, the export of oilseeds and products of their processing has ceased to be just an agrarian direction. Today, it is one of the key segments of world trade, which is simultaneously influenced by climate, geopolitics, energy transition and changing eating habits. In 2026, the market enters the phase of structural shifts, where not only volumes, but also sustainability, processing and diversification of directions come to the fore.

Oilseed market: basic picture

Oilseed production

Global oilseed production continues to grow despite weather risks and supply chain instability. Brazil and the United States remain in the lead, followed by Russia and Ukraine. Growth is achieved through:

introduction of new varieties;
expansion of sown areas;
Technologicalization of agribusiness.

At the same time, the market is increasingly reacting not to the harvest as such, but to the quality and processing potential.

Global trends in the oilseed market

Since the early 2020s, the market has shifted from focusing on raw materials to value-added products. Global trends include:

increase in processing within producing countries;
digitalization of trade;
strengthening environmental requirements.

This creates new export trends of oilseeds, which will determine 2026.

Key export trends of oils and crops

Export of sunflower oil

Sunflower oil exports remain one of the most sensitive market segments. Russia and Ukraine continue to play a key role despite logistical and political constraints. The export forecast of sunflower oil for 2026 indicates:

stabilization of volumes;
Increased supply to Africa and Asia;
Increase the role of fixed logistics contracts.

Export of rapeseed and rapeseed oil

Rape exports show steady growth, especially in the processing segment. Rapese oil is exported more than seeds, thanks to demand from the food and biofuel industries.

Analysis of the rapeseed oil market 2026 shows:

growth of internal processing;
Increased export of rapeseed oil from Russia;
Focus on sustainable standards.

Steady trends in rapeseed exports are directly linked to bioenergy and EU green programmes.

Soybean oil and its trends

Soybean oil remains a global product with high liquidity. Main driver - Soybean oil exports to the EU, where it is used as an alternative to palm oil. At the same time, the market is sensitive to dumping, regulatory restrictions and the origin of raw materials.

Prospects for palm oil exports

Palm oil retains the leadership in terms of volumes, but the prospects for palm oil exports are increasingly resting on environmental restrictions. Indonesia and Malaysia remain key players, but the market is gradually segmented by sustainability standards.

Regional export destinations

Russia as an Exporter

Oilseed exports from Russia are shifting towards processing. Russia’s rapeseed oil exports are growing faster than seed shipments, reflecting an overall value-added strategy.

China

Oilseed exports to China remain a strategic destination. China is the largest importer, generating long-term demand, especially for soybeans and rapeseeds.

European market

The European market reinforces the requirements for origin and sustainability. The growth of soybean oil exports to the EU is possible only if environmental and certification standards are met.

Africa

Oilseed oil exports to Africa - One of the most promising areas. The region has shown steady growth in consumption with relatively low competition and flexible requirements.

Forecasts and key trends for 2026

Oilseed export trends in 2026 are formed around several factors:

climate instability;
Increased demand for bioenergy;
Strengthening the role of sustainable supply chains
Digital forecasting tools.

The market is becoming less speculative and more contracted. Sustainable export trends of rapeseed, soybean and sunflower oil will be strengthened through processing and certification.

Practical recommendations

Exporters worth it:

to diversify directions (China, Africa, Middle East);
bet on recycling;
Responsibility for sustainability at the production stage.

Investors It is important to assess not only production, but also logistics, market access and regulatory risks.

To producers, Adapt crop rotation and technology to long-term trends rather than short-term prices.

Export of oilseeds and oils in 2026 - This is not a race for volumes, but a game of endurance and consistency. The market is becoming more mature: those who understand global trends, invest in recycling and build sustainable export models benefit.

Rape, sunflower, soybean and palm oil remain strategic commodities, but their future is determined not only by the harvest, but by the quality of solutions at all stages of the chain.