Rising global demand for linseed strengthens Kazakhstan’s role in the market

The Kazakhstan Association of Flax Producers has released analytical information for domestic farmers on the state and outlook of the global market, according to the APK News agency. The report highlights that the global linseed oil market is showing steady growth.

According to the association, the global linseed oil market is valued at around USD 5.5 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 8.0 billion by 2033 (CAGR of about 5.5%). The main demand drivers include growing consumption of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, expansion of the cosmetics industry, and increasing use of bio-based coatings in construction.

Kazakhstan is considered to be in a strong position in the global linseed market. A record harvest in 2025 of 1.35 million tonnes and exports of more than 634 thousand tonnes between September 2025 and January 2026—twice as much as in the previous season—significantly strengthened the country’s export potential. An additional factor is EU trade policy: tariffs on Russian linseed increased from 20% in 2025 to 50% in 2026, effectively opening opportunities for Kazakhstan to partially replace Russian supplies in the European market.

Key buyers of Kazakh linseed include Belgium, Germany, Poland, and China. However, experts warn of increasing competition: cheaper supplies from India and Ukraine are putting pressure on prices, while expanding acreage in Kazakhstan and the United States raises the risk of potential oversupply. The association notes that winners in the market will be those who focus on quality and long-term contracts rather than volume alone.

At the same time, the market shows mixed price dynamics. According to the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, domestic EXW prices declined by about 2,000 KZT/ton over the week to 223,000–228,000 KZT ($458–468). Export FCA Kazakhstan prices also fell by USD 5/t to USD 510–515/t. Meanwhile, prices for Kazakh linseed under DAP Poland (EUR 550–555/t), C&F ARAG (USD 670–675/t), and DAP Dostyk/Altynkol (USD 530–540/t) remained stable, while in China prices declined due to weak demand and currency fluctuations.