EU rapeseed processing reaches a record high

Rapeseed processing in the European Union reached a record 26.3 mln tons in the MY 2025/26 (July–June), up 1.2 mln tons from the previous season, according to preliminary estimates by Oil World.

The increase was driven primarily by stronger demand for rapeseed oil from the biofuel industry. The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic recorded the largest gains, with crushing plants increasing capacity utilization to meet rising demand.

At the same time, rapeseed production expanded in several key EU producing countries. Harvests increased in France, Germany, Poland and Romania, providing additional feedstock for domestic processors and reducing reliance on imported supplies.

For the 2026/27 season, analysts expect the EU rapeseed harvested area to expand further to a record 6.4 mln hectares. The largest increases are forecast in France, Germany and Poland. Combined with higher carryover stocks, total rapeseed supply at the beginning of the season is projected to reach 22.4 mln tons, exceeding the previous year’s level.

Despite the larger crop and improved supply, Oil World does not expect further growth in rapeseed processing, forecasting it to remain at around 26.3 mln tons in 2026/27. At the same time, the EU’s rapeseed import demand is expected to decline to 6.53 mln tons from 7.35 mln tons a year earlier, mainly due to lower purchases from Canada and Australia.

Tags: Romania, EU, France, Poland, rapeseed, Germany