Ukraine supplies half of EU rapeseed imports despite October export decline

Ukraine remains the largest supplier of rapeseed to the European Union in the 2026/27 season, accounting for approximately half of the bloc’s total imports. According to European Commission data, EU rapeseed imports since the beginning of the marketing year have reached 1.4 mln tons, down slightly more than 1% compared with the same period last season. Ukraine accounted for 703.1 thsd tons, representing approximately 50.2% of total imports. Australia, Moldova and Canada remain among the other major suppliers.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s rapeseed exports declined by 12% month-on-month in October 2026 to 387.4 thsd tons. Germany was the largest buyer of Ukrainian rapeseed, importing 177.8 thsd tons. Shipments to the Netherlands reached 67.6 thsd tons, while the Czech Republic purchased 53 thsd tons. Together, these three countries accounted for approximately 77% of Ukraine’s total rapeseed exports in October, highlighting the importance of the European market for Ukrainian producers.

Alongside the decline in seed shipments, exports of rapeseed oil also fell significantly. In October, Ukraine exported 72.3 thsd tons of rapeseed oil, down 53% compared with the previous month. This volume of oil is equivalent to approximately 150 thsd tons of processed rapeseed. The decline in exports of both rapeseed and its processed products comes amid challenging logistics conditions and limited access to maritime transportation routes.

At the same time, competition in the global rapeseed market is intensifying due to strong Canadian exports. According to the Canadian Grain Commission, Canada’s canola shipments reached 284.9 thsd tons in the week ending November 1, up 20% from 238 thsd tons the previous week. Since the beginning of the season, Canadian canola exports have totaled 2.1 mln tons, representing a 55% increase year-on-year. Rising supplies from Canada and Australia could strengthen competition among major exporters in international markets.

In its November report, USDA raised its forecast for global rapeseed production in 2026/27 by 680 thsd tons to a record 100.3 mln tons. By comparison, global production reached 96 mln tons in 2025/26 and 86.3 mln tons in 2024/25. The upward revision was mainly driven by higher production estimates for Australia. USDA also increased its forecast for EU rapeseed imports by 500 thsd tons to 7.1 mln tons, compared with 7 mln tons last season. Stronger European import demand creates opportunities for Ukrainian exporters, although record global supplies and intensifying competition could limit rapeseed price growth.

Tags: rapeseed, Ukraine, EU, oilseeds