Source: Oleoscope (Russia)
Ukraine rapeseed oil exports may reach 576,000 tons in the 2025/26 marketing year. In fact, this figure is 2.7 times more than last season. The press service of the Ukrainian Club of Agrarian Business (UCAB) published this forecast on March 27, according to APK-Inform.
Domestic Processing Expands Sharply
Ukraine is significantly increasing domestic rapeseed processing. Additionally, it is ramping up exports of finished products. The introduction of export duties on rapeseed was a key driver. Thanks to this measure, domestic processing and consumption in 2025/26 are estimated at 1.5 million tons. That is 2.6 times higher than the previous marketing year.
Consequently, a sharp increase in rapeseed oil production has resulted. Exports of this product will increase 2.7 times compared to last season, reaching 576,000 tons. Meanwhile, raw rapeseed exports will decrease 1.8 times, to 1.8 million tons.
Ukraine Rapeseed Oil Exports Surge Despite Lower Harvest
According to the Ukrainian Association of Agricultural Producers (UAAP), the rapeseed sown area in 2025/26 was 1.3 million hectares. This is 2.4% less than the previous season. However, it is 3% higher than the five-year average. Due to challenging weather conditions, the yield dropped to 2.6 t/ha. That is 8% lower than last season and 5.3% lower than the five-year average. As a result, the gross rapeseed harvest fell to 3.2 million tonnes (down 10.1% compared to 2024/25).
Rapeseed oil production, meanwhile, increased 2.6-fold, reaching 582,000 tonnes. That compares with 221,000 tonnes the previous season.
UAAP emphasizes that the rapeseed market situation in 2025/26 is an example of the reorientation of the Ukrainian agricultural sector. Instead of exporting raw materials, the country is increasing production of higher-value-added products.
Previously, the country’s government noted that the sharp rise in global fuel prices is increasing demand for biodiesel feedstock, and Ukraine is prepared to increase its rapeseed acreage by 50 percent.