China’s rapeseed meal prices decline amid expected increase in rapeseed imports

Rapeseed meal prices in China continue to decline amid expectations of increased rapeseed imports and seasonally weaker demand from the feed industry. According to SunSirs, the average market price of rapeseed meal fell by 2.13% between October 20 and 27, 2026, from 2,440 to 2,388 yuan per ton. Market participants expect further downward pressure on prices as supplies gradually increase.

Currently, relatively low rapeseed meal stocks in China’s coastal regions are providing some support to spot prices. However, significant volumes of imported rapeseed are expected to arrive in the fourth quarter, allowing crushing plants to increase capacity utilization. As a result, rapeseed meal production could rise, gradually shifting the market balance toward greater supply.

Meanwhile, demand for rapeseed meal remains subdued due to a seasonal slowdown in the aquaculture industry, which is an important consumer of this feed ingredient. With the start of the traditional off-season, aquaculture feed producers are reducing purchases, while compound feed manufacturers are generally maintaining a cautious procurement strategy.

Another factor weighing on the market is the narrowing price spread between soybean meal and rapeseed meal. As this spread shrinks, using rapeseed meal as a cheaper alternative to soybean meal becomes less economically attractive for livestock and poultry feed producers. Without a significant recovery in demand, the potential for price increases remains limited.

According to SunSirs, low inventories are expected to prevent a sharp decline in prices in the short term, leaving the market volatile with a generally weak trend. In the medium term, however, increased rapeseed imports, a recovery in crushing activity and seasonally weaker demand are likely to create conditions for further declines in China’s rapeseed meal prices.

Tags: China, prices, rapeseed, rapeseed meal