Global vegetable oil exports to rise 2% to 141 million tons in 2026/27:USDA
Rapeseed and sunflower oil exports are expected to increase 8% and 15%, respectively.
GLOBAL – Global vegetable oil exports are forecast to reach a record 141 million tonnes in 2026/27, with stronger trade in rapeseed and sunflower oil expected to drive much of the expansion, according to the latest outlook from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The forecast represents an increase of about 2% from the previous season as improved oilseed supplies and firm demand support international trade.
Rapeseed oil is expected to post particularly strong growth, with global exports projected to rise by about 8% in 2026/27.
Sunflower oil shipments are forecast to rise even more sharply, by around 15%, reflecting increased availability from major producing regions.
The USDA’s latest outlook also points to higher global production of both rapeseed and sunflower seed, providing additional raw material for crushing and oil production.
USDA data indicate that global rapeseed production in 2026/27 is forecast at nearly 100 million tonnes, while sunflower seed production is projected at 63.7 million tonnes.
The higher supply outlook is supporting increased crushing activity, particularly in major processing markets including the European Union, Canada and Bangladesh for rapeseed, while sunflower seed crushing is also expected to expand.
Vegetable oil trade growth comes amid continued demand from the food and biofuels sectors.
USDA’s broader oilseeds outlook forecasts global oilseed production at a record 718.1 million tonnes in 2026/27, up 19.6 million tonnes from the previous season.
Global crushing is projected to increase by 22.6 million tonnes to 549.8 million tonnes, indicating stronger demand for both vegetable oils and protein meals.
Palm oil, the world’s most consumed vegetable oil, is expected to follow a different trade trajectory.
USDA forecasts global palm oil exports to decline by about 2%, while soybean oil exports are projected to grow by only around 1%.
Global palm oil production is forecast at 81.1 million tons in 2026/27, compared with 75.1 million tons for soybean oil. That leaves a gap of about 6 million tons, down from more than 15 million tons in 2022/23.
The slower growth in these major oils contrasts with the stronger expansion expected for rapeseed and sunflower oils.
The shift is also being supported by changing production patterns among oilseed-producing countries.
Higher rapeseed supplies from Canada, Russia, Ukraine and Australia are expected to contribute to increased availability for international markets.
Meanwhile, USDA has raised its 2026/27 sunflower seed production outlook as growing areas and yields improve.
The expanding trade outlook comes as vegetable oil prices remain influenced by supply, energy policy, weather and biofuel demand.
For processors, traders and food manufacturers, the projected record trade could broaden the availability of rapeseed and sunflower oils in international markets, while increasing competition among vegetable oils for food, industrial and biofuel applications.
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