South America could sharply increase rapeseed production in the new season

South American rapeseed production could increase to 1.5–1.6 mln tons in 2026/27, according to Oil World. This compares with around 1.1 mln tons harvested in the previous season and just 0.7 mln tons in 2024/25.

The main driver of production growth will be the expansion of planted area in Brazil and Uruguay. Rapeseed acreage in Uruguay has increased to around 340 thsd ha, while in Brazil it has reached 370 thsd ha.

Under favorable weather conditions, Uruguay could harvest a record 600–620 thsd tons of rapeseed. Brazilian production is also expected to reach around 600 thsd tons, compared with only 343 thsd tons harvested last season.

The expansion of rapeseed production in Brazil is being accompanied by growth in domestic crushing capacity. Increased availability of feedstock could allow the country to boost rapeseed oil production and expand its presence in export markets in 2026/27.

Analysts estimate that Brazilian rapeseed oil exports could reach 50–80 thsd tons in October–September. Brazil shipped its first relatively large cargo of around 6 thsd tons in July this year, indicating the gradual emergence of a new export segment for the country’s rapeseed industry.