EU flaxseed imports rise 48% despite logistical constraints

The European Union significantly increased its flaxseed imports at the beginning of the MY 2026/27 despite rising transportation costs and international logistics challenges. According to the European Commission, imports from third countries rose by 47.9% between July 1 and October 25, 2026, reaching 182.04 thsd tons compared with 123.07 thsd tons a year earlier. The value of imports increased by 38.8% to €105.9 mln, indicating a decline in the average purchase price. Meanwhile, international market prices have started to recover in recent weeks due to growing transportation difficulties.

Kazakhstan remains the EU’s largest flaxseed supplier, increasing exports by 75.5% to 100.26 thsd tons and accounting for approximately 55% of total imports. Canada expanded shipments 3.7-fold to 53.69 thsd tons, while Ukraine increased supplies by 49.6%, from 12.53 thsd to 18.75 thsd tons. Ukraine consequently ranked third among the main suppliers to the European market. Meanwhile, imports of Russian flaxseed plunged by 95.9%, from 31.53 thsd to 1.3 thsd tons, due to EU import duties.

Despite ample flaxseed supplies on the global market, further shipments to Europe could face difficulties due to transportation restrictions. In October, Russian Railways suspended approvals for transit wagons heading to Baltic ports, creating problems for Kazakh exports. An alternative route via Belarus and Lithuania’s port of Klaipėda adds $15–20/ton to logistics costs. Additional risks include seasonal restrictions on Baltic port operations during winter and a potential 12–15% increase in road freight rates in Poland in early 2027 following the expiration of government fuel price support.

Black Sea logistics also remain challenging. Over the past ten weeks, sea freight costs for shipments from the Black Sea region have more than doubled, while war-risk insurance costs have quadrupled. This particularly affects flaxseed exports from Ukraine and Moldova, as even competitive product prices may not offset high delivery costs. Against this backdrop, brown flaxseed prices in Poland stand at €650–670/ton EXW, while golden flaxseed is quoted at €960–980/ton.

Belgium remains the EU’s largest flaxseed importer, increasing purchases by 126.6% to 134.03 thsd tons. Poland ranks second with 20.26 thsd tons, although its imports declined by nearly one-third. Shipments to France rose by 81.7% to 4.56 thsd tons, Italy by 31.5% to 4.38 thsd tons, and Germany by 19.5% to 3.5 thsd tons. Analysts do not rule out further price increases for brown and golden flaxseed, as sustained European demand combined with logistical constraints could create localized supply shortages despite adequate global inventories.

Tags: EU, linseed