China Becomes Top Buyer as Ukrainian Rapeseed Meal Exports Surge by 70%

Ukrainian Rapeseed Meal Exports to China Hit Record High

According to ХВИЛЯ: During the first half of the 2025/26 marketing year, Ukraine achieved a historic milestone in its exports of rapeseed meal to China. Shipments to China reached 155,000 tons, making the country the leading importer of this Ukrainian product. This commodity is a key byproduct of oilseed crushing, used primarily as a high-protein animal feed. Overall, Ukraine's rapeseed meal exports for the July-December period of this season totaled approximately 340,000 tons, marking a 70% increase compared to the same timeframe last year.

Shifts in the Global Rapeseed Meal Market

Domestic rapeseed processing in Ukraine has also risen, reaching 800,000 tons. However, despite the export boom to China, shipments of Ukrainian meal to the European Union plummeted by a factor of 2.4, falling from 171,000 to 71,000 tons. This decline occurred against a backdrop of a strong harvest within the EU and a sharp increase in Canadian supplies, which delivered over 436,000 tons to the EU. In the previous season, Canadian shipments to the EU were nearly nonexistent.

In the Chinese rapeseed meal market, Ukrainian companies have successfully pivoted to meet demand, capitalizing on a current domestic shortfall. Despite this success, industry experts note that selling rapeseed meal remains challenging due to traditionally low domestic consumption in Ukraine.

• The main competitors for Ukrainian rapeseed meal in China are Russia, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Analysts also warn of potential risks should China and Canada improve their trade relations, which could negatively impact future Ukrainian exports.

Ukraine's export success in China demonstrates the sector's ability to adapt to new market conditions. Simultaneously, the drop in EU imports underscores the critical need for strategic planning and market diversification. Given the high European rapeseed harvest and growing competition from Canada, Ukrainian producers must remain agile in responding to international market shifts to maintain their positions and ensure stable export volumes.