A strong year for Global Oilseed Production
Global oilseed production is projected to rise to 690 million tonnes in 2025/26, driven primarily by soya beans, palm oil, and rapeseed. Soya beans continue to dominate the oilseed sector, accounting for 39% of the global market.
Outlook for oil production
Demand for plant-based oil, protein for animal feed, and biofuel production continues to support robust growth. Brazil's soya bean harvest for 2025/26 is forecast at 175 million tonnes – well ahead of the United States' (US) 117 million tonnes – underscoring Brazil's expanding role in global supply. Argentina is also showing a substantial increase, with 2024/25 production estimated at 49 million tonnes.
Together, palm oil and soya bean oil account for 63% of the world's vegetable oil production. For 2025, palm oil output is projected at 80,4 million tonnes and soya bean oil at 70,8 million tonnes, followed by sunflower oil at 56,3 million tonnes and rapeseed/canola oil at 34,5 million tonnes. Malaysia and Indonesia remain the top palm oil exporters, with production expected to increase, while China and India continue as the largest importers.
Ukraine holds fast despite war
Russian sunflower production for 2025/26 is projected to reach a record 18 million tonnes, securing its position among the world's top producers. Ukraine's sunflower seed output, estimated at 14,4 million tonnes for 2024/25, accounts for roughly 25% of global production but is expected to remain stable. Despite ongoing challenges from the war with Russia, Ukraine maintains its status as the world's leading sunflower producer. The country is placing greater emphasis on domestic processing, strengthening its role as the leading sunflower oil exporter with a commanding 57% share of the global market.
Global canola production is forecast at 89,5 million tonnes, with Canada leading at 19,5 million tonnes, followed by the European Union. Rapeseed production for 2025/26 is estimated at 18,5 million tonnes, with France and Germany the major producers. Rising biofuel production, along with advances in seed development and farming practices, continues to drive oilseed production growth worldwide.
Demand for biodiesel on the rise
Biodiesel production surged by more than 10% in 2024, reaching an estimated 76,3 million tonnes. Growth is being fuelled by rising demand, supported by government mandates encouraging biofuel adoption and assisted by advances in production technology. The US, Brazil, and Indonesia together account for 60% of global output.
