Russian rapeseed oil increases pressure on Kazakhstan’s oilseed market

Kazakhstan sharply increased its imports of Russian rapeseed oil in January–August 2026, setting a new historical record for purchases of the product. According to Agroexport, Russia supplied more than 6 thsd tons of rapeseed oil to Kazakhstan over the eight-month period, worth approximately $6 mln. Compared with the same period last year, shipment volumes increased fourteenfold, while their value rose sixteenfold.

Imports during the first eight months of 2026 have already exceeded the previous full-year record set in 2014, when Kazakhstan purchased 4.8 thsd tons of Russian rapeseed oil worth $3.2 mln. The sharp increase highlights the growing presence of Russian processed oilseed products in Kazakhstan, even before restrictions on sunflower seed imports were introduced.

On October 23, Kazakhstan suspended imports of Russian sunflower seed amid concerns among local farmers over falling domestic prices. According to farmers’ estimates, large inflows of cheaper Russian raw materials contributed to a decline in sunflower seed prices from 200,000–210,000 to 160,000–165,000 tenge per ton. Meanwhile, representatives of the processing industry argued that imports were necessary to maintain capacity utilization at domestic edible oil processing plants.

Market conditions are being further complicated by rising oilseed supplies in Russia and export logistics restrictions. In the 2026/27 season, Russia’s total oilseed harvest is estimated at 35–40 mln tons, while annual processing capacity stands at approximately 34 mln tons. Due to difficulties with seaborne shipments, Russian producers are increasingly redirecting edible oil and meal exports to overland routes, including Kazakhstan, other Central Asian countries, Afghanistan and China.

Growing imports of processed Russian products are increasing competition for Kazakh processors in both domestic and export markets. According to representatives of the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, cheaper Russian edible oil could displace locally produced products in Central Asia and China, reducing processors’ profitability. As a result, domestic processors may be forced to lower their purchase prices for oilseeds, meaning that restrictions on sunflower seed imports alone may not be sufficient to stabilize Kazakhstan’s domestic market.

Tags: Russia, Kazakhstan, export, prices, imports, rapeseed oil