In the first quarter of 2025, the production of rapeseed oil in Russia increased by 25% compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching 382 thousand tons. The export of rapeseed oil during the same period grew by a third, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture press service.
The oil and fat industry is an important factor in Russia's agro-industrial complex. The production of oilseeds and their processing continues to increase. In just the first quarter of this year, 382 thousand tons of rapeseed oil were produced, which is a quarter more than in the same period last year. Thanks to this dynamic, it was possible to increase the export of this product. In January-March, the export of rapeseed oil increased by a third compared to 2024 in physical terms, and by one and a half times in value terms, according to the Ministry.
Clarifying the details, the Ministry of Agriculture noted that Russia overall accounts for about 7% of global supplies of oil and fat products and ranks second in rapeseed oil exports among all countries. The implementation of the export potential is supported by state support measures. The Federal project "Export of Agricultural Products", extended until 2030, retains basic and most in-demand instruments such as preferential lending and subsidies for transportation, explained the department.
Mikhail Maltsev, Executive Director of the Russian Oil and Fat Union, noted that the area under rapeseed cultivation in the country is steadily increasing, and the production of this crop sets new records almost every year. Rapeseed meal is also a popular feed product both domestically and internationally. In addition, capacities for rapeseed processing are increasing, the Ministry added referring to Maltsev.
According to Ilya Bereznyuk, Managing Partner of Agro & Food Communications, rapeseed oil production in Russia exceeds its consumption by more than eight times. He noted that exports remain a promising direction, and in 2025, the positive dynamics of rapeseed oil exports are likely to improve further. This opinion is supported by the ministry's statement.
Ilya Ilyushin, Head of the Federal Center for Agroexport, noted that China has been the largest buyer of Russian rapeseed oil in the world in recent years. Over 85% of oil supplies go to this country at the beginning of the current year. It is forecasted that Russian rapeseed oil exports could reach $1.5 billion by 2030, according to the department.