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🌱 UN Comtrade SITC 22: Global Oil Seed Trade Value
The trade of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits (SITC Rev. 3 Group 22) is a critical sector of global agriculture, serving as the primary source for vegetable oils and high-protein animal feed. The total value of this trade is measured in current US dollars (USD) by the UN Comtrade database.
World Total Exports and Imports for SITC 22
The table below provides the estimated global trade value for SITC 22. These estimates reflect the combined value of major traded oilseeds (dominated by soybeans, canola/rapeseed, and sunflower seeds) as reported by member countries.
| Year | Total World Exports (SITC 22) | Total World Imports (SITC 22) |
| 2022 | $175 - $205 Billion (Est.) | $175 - $205 Billion (Est.) |
| 2021 | $150 - $180 Billion (Est.) | $150 - $180 Billion (Est.) |
| 2020 | $115 - $135 Billion (Est.) | $115 - $135 Billion (Est.) |
Note: The trade values have increased significantly due to factors like global demand growth and commodity price inflation.
Key Traded Commodities
SITC 22 includes raw seeds (Group 222) and their flours/meals (Group 223). The global market is defined by a few dominant crops:
| Primary Commodity (HS Code) | Major Exporter | Major Importer |
| Soya beans (HS 1201) | Brazil, USA | China, EU |
| Rape/Canola Seeds (HS 1205) | Canada, Australia | EU, Japan |
| Sunflower Seeds (HS 1206) | Ukraine, Russia | EU, Turkey |
The largest trade flow is typically raw soybeans from the Americas to Asia (specifically China) and Europe, where they are crushed into oil and meal.
🎯 Significance of UN Comtrade SITC 22 Trade Value
The analysis of UN Comtrade SITC 22 (Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits) trade values clearly establishes this sector as a high-value, dynamic, and essential segment of global commerce.
The consistently high and often increasing annual trade figures—estimated between $175 billion and $205 billion in recent years—underscore the commodity group's critical role in the world economy.
Key Takeaways
Fundamental Importance: Oil seeds, particularly soybeans (HS 1201), are fundamentally important as a dual-purpose commodity, serving as the raw material for both edible vegetable oils and protein-rich animal feed.
Market Volatility: The substantial trade values are subject to high volatility, reflecting the immediate impact of geopolitical events, climate patterns in major producing regions (like Brazil and the US), and fluctuations in global commodity prices.
Global Supply Chains: The trade flow illustrates crucial global supply chain dependencies: raw seeds move overwhelmingly from major agricultural exporters (Americas, Australia, Black Sea region) to major processing and consumption hubs (China and the European Union).
In summary, the UN Comtrade data for SITC 22 confirms that the global oil seed trade is a bellwether for agricultural economics, directly linking agricultural production to international industrial processing, food security, and energy demands.
🌏 UN Comtrade SITC 22: Oil Seed Import Value by World Region
The global import trade for Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits (SITC Rev. 3 Group 22) is highly concentrated among regions with major industrial processing capacity. The trade value, measured in current US dollars (USD) by UN Comtrade, is dominated by importers who add value by crushing the seeds into oil and animal feed meal.
Estimated Oil Seed Import Value (SITC 22) by Major Region
While UN Comtrade data is constantly updated, based on aggregated commodity trade data (HS codes corresponding to SITC 22) for the most recent available years, Asia and Europe are overwhelmingly the largest import regions.
| Region | Primary Import Value Contributor | Estimated Annual Import Value (SITC 22) | Key Commodities Imported |
| Asia | China (Dominant), India, Japan | > $85 Billion USD | Soybeans (HS 1201) |
| Europe | European Union (EU) Member States | > $40 Billion USD | Soybeans, Rapeseed (HS 1205), Sunflower Seeds (HS 1206) |
| North America | Mexico, Canada | > $15 Billion USD | Soybeans, Canola |
| North Africa / Middle East | Egypt, Turkey, Iran | > $10 Billion USD | Sunflower Seeds, Soybeans |
Note: The "Estimated Annual Import Value" ranges are derived from the aggregated imports of key oilseeds reported by major importing countries in the respective regions, typically reflecting volumes from 2021-2022 due to the lag in final, reconciled UN Comtrade regional totals.
Regional Dynamics and Value Chain
The high concentration of import value in Asia and Europe is strategic. These regions choose to import the raw seeds (SITC 22) rather than the finished oil and meal products (SITC Sections 08 and 4) to maintain high-value domestic crushing industries.
China's Dominance: China is the single largest importer, driving demand primarily for soybeans. Its import volume is crucial for its massive domestic animal feed industry, which supports the largest livestock population in the world.
European Union's Dual Demand: The EU imports a variety of oilseeds to satisfy two major demands: protein meal for its sophisticated livestock sector and vegetable oil for food consumption and meeting mandatory biofuel (biodiesel) targets.
Import Valuation: As per UN Comtrade methodology, imports are generally valued on a CIF-type basis (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), meaning the reported value includes the costs incurred to bring the goods to the border of the importing country.
🎯 Significance of UN Comtrade SITC 22 Import Value
The analysis of UN Comtrade SITC 22 (Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits) import values highlights the critical role of key regional processing hubs in the global agricultural supply chain.
The concentration of over $135 billion USD in annual import value across Asia and Europe is not accidental, but reflects a deliberate strategy of value-addition through industrial crushing.
Key Takeaways from Regional Imports
Industrial Processing Demand: The dominant import values in Asia (led by China) and Europe (EU) are driven by the need to feed massive domestic oilseed crushing capacity. These regions import the lower-value raw seeds (SITC 22) to produce the higher-value processed products: vegetable oils (for food and biodiesel) and protein meal (for livestock feed).
Global Supply Chain Dependency: China's position as the single largest importer, particularly of soybeans, makes its demand the primary factor influencing global prices and trade flows for this commodity group.
CIF Valuation: The recorded import values include Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF), reflecting the total economic expenditure incurred by these regions to acquire and transport the oilseeds to their industrial centers.
In summary, the high import value for SITC 22 serves as a reliable indicator of regional industrial strength and demand for animal protein and edible oils. The data confirms that global agricultural value-addition is heavily concentrated in a few, powerful importing regions.
🎯 Significance of UN Comtrade SITC 22 Import Value
The analysis of UN Comtrade SITC 22 (Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits) import values clearly establishes the sector's reliance on a few key regional processing hubs in the global agricultural supply chain.
The concentration of over $135 billion USD in estimated annual import value across Asia and Europe is not accidental, but reflects a deliberate strategy of value-addition through industrial crushing.
Key Takeaways from Regional Imports
Industrial Processing Demand: The dominant import values in Asia (led by China) and Europe (EU) are driven by the need to feed massive domestic oilseed crushing capacity. These regions import the lower-value raw seeds (SITC 22) to produce the higher-value processed products: vegetable oils (for food and biodiesel) and protein meal (for livestock feed).
Global Supply Chain Dependency: China's position as the single largest importer, particularly of soybeans, makes its demand the primary factor influencing global prices and trade flows for this commodity group.
CIF Valuation: The recorded import values are generally valued on a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) basis, reflecting the total economic expenditure incurred by these regions to acquire and transport the oilseeds to their industrial centers.
In summary, the high import value for SITC 22 serves as a reliable indicator of regional industrial strength and intense demand for animal protein and edible oils. The data confirms that the global agricultural value-addition from oilseeds is heavily concentrated in a few, powerful importing regions.
🇨🇳 UN Comtrade SITC 22: Top Importing Countries for Oil Seeds
The global import market for Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits (SITC Rev. 3 Group 22) is highly concentrated, with a few countries dominating the flow of raw commodities like soybeans, canola, and sunflower seeds. These nations are massive crushing and processing hubs, importing raw material to produce higher-value edible oils and animal feed meal.
The table below lists the top global importers for this commodity group based on trade value (in current US dollars) for a recent typical year (e.g., 2022 data), highlighting the dominance of Asian and European processors.
Top 5 Global Importers of Oil Seeds (SITC 22 / Closest HS Code Analogs)
| Rank | Country | Estimated Annual Import Value (SITC 22 / HS 12) | Primary Imported Commodity | Key Driver for Imports |
| 1 | China (People's Republic of) | $75 - $85 Billion USD | Soybeans (HS 1201) | Massive demand for animal protein (livestock feed meal). |
| 2 | Netherlands (Part of EU) | $8 - $10 Billion USD | Soybeans, Rapeseed | Major EU crushing gateway and distribution hub. |
| 3 | Germany (Part of EU) | $7 - $9 Billion USD | Rapeseed, Soybeans | Large domestic feed production and biodiesel sector. |
| 4 | Japan | $5 - $7 Billion USD | Soybeans, Canola/Rapeseed | Steady demand for food-grade soybeans and crushing. |
| 5 | Spain (Part of EU) | $4 - $6 Billion USD | Soybeans, Sunflower Seeds | Significant livestock industry requiring large volumes of feed meal. |
Source Note: Figures are based on aggregated trade data for SITC 22 / closely corresponding HS codes (like Chapter 12) reported to UN Comtrade for the latest available full years (2021-2022), and are compiled from various trade analyses. The values are approximate due to ongoing data revisions.
Import Dynamics and Valuation
China's Overwhelming Dominance: China's position as the number one importer is unparalleled, accounting for well over half of the global trade value for raw soybeans. This trade is the single most important factor influencing the entire SITC 22 market.
The EU Bloc: While individual European countries rank lower than China, the European Union (EU) as a bloc collectively ranks second globally, importing diverse oilseeds (soybeans, rapeseed, sunflower) to meet its vast animal feed requirements and biofuel mandates.
Valuation: As standard for UN Comtrade import statistics, these values are typically reported on a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) basis, meaning the cost of the goods includes the transport and insurance expenses incurred up to the border of the importing country.
🎯 Significance of UN Comtrade SITC 22 Import Value by Country
The analysis of UN Comtrade SITC 22 (Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits) import values by country underscores the global concentration of the oilseed processing industry. The trade is not dispersed but flows strategically to a few key nations that have invested heavily in crushing and value-addition capabilities.
Key Takeaways
China's Dominance: China stands alone as the dominant force, with import values estimated between $56 billion and $85 billion USD. This overwhelming demand, primarily for soybeans, makes China's domestic livestock feed needs the single most influential factor in global oilseed prices and trade flows.
Strategic Processing Hubs: The high import values of countries in the European Union (e.g., Netherlands, Germany, Spain) confirm their role as major regional processing hubs. They import raw seeds to produce domestic supplies of animal meal and vegetable oil, often used for biodiesel.
CIF Valuation: The substantial figures reflect the total economic outlay by importing nations, as UN Comtrade values are reported on a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) basis, including all costs up to the importing border.
Value Chain Indicator: High import values in SITC 22 are a direct indicator of a country's commitment to capturing the higher value-added steps in the agricultural chain, moving from a raw commodity to finished industrial products.
In conclusion, the top importing countries for SITC 22 are the global powerhouses of agricultural processing, transforming raw oilseeds into essential food and industrial inputs for the rest of the world.
🌎 UN Comtrade SITC 22: Oil Seed Export Value by World Region
The global export trade for Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits (SITC Rev. 3 Group 22) is highly concentrated in a few key agricultural regions that possess the land area and climate necessary for massive-scale oilseed production. These regions are the primary suppliers of the raw material to the world's crushing industries.
Estimated Oil Seed Export Value (SITC 22) by Major Region
The vast majority of global export value originates from the Americas, which dominate the production and trade of the world's largest oilseed commodity: soybeans (HS 1201). The estimated values below reflect this regional dominance, derived from the trade reports of major exporting nations within those regions.
| Region | Primary Export Value Contributor | Estimated Annual Export Value (SITC 22 / HS 12) | Key Commodities Exported |
| South America | Brazil, Argentina | $50 - $75 Billion USD | Soybeans (HS 1201), Sunflower Seeds |
| North America | United States, Canada | $40 - $60 Billion USD | Soybeans (HS 1201), Rapeseed/Canola (HS 1205) |
| Oceania | Australia | $5 - $10 Billion USD | Rapeseed/Canola (HS 1205) |
| Europe | Ukraine, Russia (Black Sea) | $5 - $15 Billion USD | Sunflower Seeds (HS 1206), Rapeseed |
| Asia | Indonesia (Palm/Palm Kernel), India | $5 - $10 Billion USD | Palm Kernel/Copra, minor oilseeds |
Source Note: The figures are broad estimates based on the aggregate export values of the primary oilseed commodities (HS Chapter 12) reported by major trading countries within each region for recent years (e.g., 2021-2022).
Regional Dynamics and Global Supply
Dominance of the Americas: The export market is decisively led by South America (primarily Brazil and Argentina) and North America (US and Canada). Their combined soybean and canola/rapeseed exports form the bedrock of global supply for both feed and oil.
Black Sea Sensitivity: The export value from the European region is largely dependent on the Black Sea nations (Ukraine/Russia), which are the world's largest source of sunflower seeds. Trade stability in this region is critical for global sunflower oil supplies.
FOB Valuation: Exports are typically valued on an FOB (Free On Board) basis in UN Comtrade statistics. This means the value reflects the cost of the goods plus all expenses incurred until the goods are loaded onto the vessel at the port of export.
🎯 Significance of UN Comtrade SITC 22 Export Value by Region
The analysis of UN Comtrade SITC 22 (Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits) export values by region firmly establishes the global geographic structure of the oilseed supply chain. The export market is highly consolidated, with a few agricultural powerhouses dominating the trade of this essential raw material.
Key Takeaways
Concentrated Supply: The majority of the global oilseed export value, estimated between $90 billion and $135 billion USD annually, originates from the Americas (South and North). These regions are the world's primary "breadbaskets" for soybeans and canola, making their yields and trade policies paramount to global supply stability.
Product Specialization: Different regions dominate specific oilseeds:
Americas: Leads in high-volume, high-value soybeans and canola.
Black Sea/Europe: Critical supplier of sunflower seeds.
Oceania (Australia): Important exporter of rapeseed/canola.
FOB Valuation: The high export figures are typically reported on an FOB (Free On Board) basis, meaning the value reflects the cost of the goods up until they are loaded onto the vessel at the port, before major international shipping costs are added.
Raw Material Focus: High export values in SITC 22 signify a region's strength in raw commodity production. These regions primarily grow the seeds to be sent to other areas (like China and the EU) for the higher value-added steps of crushing and processing.
In conclusion, the regional export data for SITC 22 illustrates a geographically specialized, commodity-focused supply chain, where successful agricultural production in a few key areas dictates the global availability and pricing of vegetable oils and animal feed protein.
🇧🇷 UN Comtrade SITC 22: Top Exporting Countries for Oil Seeds
The global export trade for Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits (SITC Rev. 3 Group 22) is overwhelmingly dominated by a handful of countries in the Americas, which serve as the world's primary source for major commodities like soybeans and canola. These nations possess the agricultural capacity to supply the raw materials to global processing hubs.
The table below lists the top global exporters for this commodity group based on trade value (in current US dollars) for 2022, highlighting the immense dominance of Brazil and the United States in the global oilseed market.
Top 5 Global Exporters of Oil Seeds (SITC 22 / Closest HS Code Analogs)
| Rank | Country | Estimated Annual Export Value (SITC 22 / HS 12) | Primary Exported Commodity | Global Market Share Driver |
| 1 | Brazil | $46 - $53 Billion USD | Soybeans (HS 1201) | World's largest soybean producer and exporter; dominant supplier to China. |
| 2 | United States | $27 - $34 Billion USD | Soybeans (HS 1201) | Second-largest soybean exporter; major supplier to China and Mexico. |
| 3 | Canada | $8 - $10 Billion USD | Rapeseed/Canola (HS 1205) | World's leading exporter of canola, mainly to China, Japan, and the EU. |
| 4 | Argentina | $3 - $5 Billion USD | Soybeans (HS 1201) | Exports raw seeds; primarily exports soybean meal and oil (processed products). |
| 5 | Paraguay | $3 - $4 Billion USD | Soybeans (HS 1201) | Significant exporter of raw soybeans, largely to neighboring Argentina and Brazil for crushing. |
Source Note: The values are primarily driven by Soybeans (HS 1201) and Rapeseed/Canola (HS 1205). Figures are based on aggregated trade data for SITC 22 / closely corresponding HS codes reported to UN Comtrade (WITS/World Bank) for 2022.
Export Dynamics and Valuation
Americas' Dominance: The top five list is largely composed of nations from the Americas, underscoring their unchallenged lead in global oilseed production. Brazil and the U.S. alone account for over 80% of the world's soybean exports by volume and value.
FOB Valuation: These export figures are typically reported on an FOB (Free On Board) basis, meaning the value includes the cost of the goods and all expenses incurred until they are loaded onto the vessel at the port of export.
Crush vs. Export: While most countries export raw seeds, Argentina is a special case. Its high global ranking in this category is often supplemented by its vast infrastructure for exporting the processed products, soybean oil and meal (which fall under different SITC sections), making its role critical.
🎯 Significance of UN Comtrade SITC 22 Export Value by Country
The analysis of UN Comtrade SITC 22 (Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits) export values by country conclusively demonstrates that global supply is concentrated in a highly specialized group of agricultural nations, with the Americas being overwhelmingly dominant.
Key Takeaways
Dominance of the Americas: The export market is defined by the colossal output of Brazil (Rank 1, estimated $46 - $53 Billion USD) and the United States (Rank 2, estimated $27 - $34 Billion USD). Their combined trade in soybeans alone accounts for the vast majority of the global SITC 22 value, making their harvest cycles and trade policies the primary determinants of world oilseed supply and pricing.
Product Specialization: Beyond soybeans, the list highlights national specialization, such as Canada's leading role as the world's primary exporter of rapeseed/canola.
The Processing Distinction (Argentina): The inclusion of Argentina and Paraguay underscores a crucial dynamic: some countries export raw seeds, while others (like Argentina) primarily use their deep infrastructure to process local or imported seeds and then export the higher-value products (oil and meal), which fall outside the SITC 22 category but are inextricably linked.
FOB Valuation: The high figures reflect the raw economic value of the commodities at the point of origin, as exports are valued on a FOB (Free On Board) basis, excluding the subsequent international transport and insurance costs.
In conclusion, the UN Comtrade data for SITC 22 exports illustrates a powerful global structure where agricultural abundance in a handful of countries dictates the flow of raw materials essential for global food security, animal feed, and the burgeoning biofuel industry.
🥇 High-Value Oil Seed Import: Commodity, Region, and Country
The highest value commodity within the Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits (SITC 22) category is unequivocally Soybeans (HS 1201). The import market is dominated by a few major countries and regions that act as the world's primary crushing and processing centers, adding value by turning the raw seeds into finished products like animal feed meal and vegetable oil.
1. High-Value Commodity Focus: Soybeans (HS 1201)
| Commodity | HS Code | Estimated Global Import Value (2023) | Primary Use |
| Soya Beans | 1201 | ~$93 Billion USD | Crushing for Animal Feed Meal and Vegetable Oil (including Biodiesel). |
| Rapeseed/Canola | 1205 | ~$15 - $20 Billion USD | Vegetable Oil, Biodiesel, and Feed. |
| Sunflower Seeds | 1206 | ~$5 - $10 Billion USD | Edible Oil. |
Soybeans are the most crucial commodity in this category, accounting for the vast majority of the total global import value due to the sheer volume required by large economies for animal feed.
2. Import Value by Region (SITC 22 Dominance)
The import market is heavily concentrated in regions with massive livestock industries and extensive oilseed crushing infrastructure.
| Rank | Region | Import Value Dominance (Primary Commodity) | Primary Function of Imports |
| 1 | Asia | Soybeans (China, Japan, Southeast Asia) | Animal Feed for large domestic livestock populations. |
| 2 | Europe | Soybeans, Rapeseed, Sunflower | Livestock Feed and Biodiesel production mandates. |
| 3 | North America | Soybeans (Mexico, US intra-trade) | Domestic crushing and feed production. |
| 4 | North Africa/Middle East | Sunflower Seeds, Soybeans | Domestic food oil and animal feed consumption. |
3. Top Importing Countries (Soybeans, HS 1201)
The following countries generate the highest import value in the oil seed category, driven almost entirely by their demand for soybeans (2022/2023 data). These countries are where the greatest value-addition occurs.
| Rank | Country/Entity | Primary Commodity Imported | Estimated Import Value (2023) | Key Import Purpose |
| 1 | China 🇨🇳 | Soybeans (HS 1201) | ~$56.6 Billion USD | Crushing for domestic pork, poultry, and aquaculture feed. |
| 2 | European Union 🇪🇺 | Soybeans, Rapeseed | ~$8.8 Billion USD (Soybeans only) | High-volume feed for livestock and biodiesel production. |
| 3 | Argentina 🇦🇷 | Soybeans (from neighbors) | ~$5.4 Billion USD | Re-export Crushing: Imports raw beans to export finished oil and meal. |
| 4 | Egypt 🇪🇬 | Soybeans | ~$2.8 Billion USD | Domestic oil and feed needs. |
| 5 | Mexico 🇲🇽 | Soybeans | ~$2.6 Billion USD | Feed for growing domestic animal protein production. |
Note: The trade is characterized by raw soybeans from the Americas flowing into Asian and European crushing industries. Import values are typically reported on a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) basis.
🥇 High-Value Oil Seed Export: Commodity, Region, and Country
The highest value commodity within the Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits (SITC 22) category is definitively Soybeans (HS 1201). The global export market is overwhelmingly dominated by a few countries in the Americas, which together supply the raw materials to the world's largest processing centers (primarily China and the EU).
1. High-Value Commodity Focus: Soybeans (HS 1201)
| Commodity | HS Code | Estimated Global Export Value (2023) | Primary Use |
| Soya Beans | 1201 | ~$93 Billion USD | Crushing for Animal Feed Meal and Vegetable Oil. |
| Rapeseed/Canola | 1205 | ~$15 - $20 Billion USD | Vegetable Oil, Biodiesel, and Feed. |
| Sunflower Seeds | 1206 | ~$5 - $10 Billion USD | Edible Oil. |
Soybeans alone account for the vast majority of the total trade value in the SITC 22 category, making it the highest-value export.
2. Export Value by Region (SITC 22 Dominance)
The export market is strongly concentrated in two regions that boast the necessary land, scale, and logistics for commodity agriculture.
| Rank | Region | Export Value Dominance (Primary Commodity) | Share of Global Soybean Exports (2023) |
| 1 | South America | Soybeans (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay) | > 62% |
| 2 | North America | Soybeans & Canola (USA, Canada) | > 32% |
| 3 | Europe | Sunflower Seeds (Black Sea Region) | Low Single Digits (Varies) |
| 4 | Oceania | Rapeseed/Canola (Australia) | Low Single Digits (Varies) |
3. Top Exporting Countries (Soybeans, HS 1201)
The following countries generate the highest export value in the oil seed category, driven almost entirely by their soybean sales (2022/2023 data).
| Rank | Country | Primary Commodity Exported | Estimated Export Value (2023) | Key Export Destination |
| 1 | Brazil 🇧🇷 | Soybeans (HS 1201) | ~$53.2 Billion USD | China |
| 2 | United States 🇺🇸 | Soybeans (HS 1201) | ~$28.0 Billion USD | China, Mexico |
| 3 | Paraguay 🇵🇾 | Soybeans (HS 1201) | ~$3.4 Billion USD | Argentina, Brazil |
| 4 | Canada 🇨🇦 | Rapeseed/Canola (HS 1205) | ~$2.6 Billion USD | China, Japan, EU |
| 5 | Ukraine 🇺🇦 | Sunflower Seeds (HS 1206) | ~$1.3 Billion USD | EU, Turkey |
Note: The trade flow is defined by the massive volume of raw soybeans moving from Brazil and the US to China for processing into animal feed.
🎯 Global Concentration of High-Value Oil Seed Exports
The analysis of UN Comtrade SITC 22 export values by commodity, region, and country confirms a highly specialized and geographically concentrated global supply chain, dominated by the export of Soybeans (HS 1201).
Key Takeaways
Commodity King: Soybeans are the overwhelming high-value driver of the entire SITC 22 category, accounting for the majority of the trade value (estimated at over $93 billion USD globally). This underscores the world's primary need for soybean-derived animal feed meal and vegetable oil.
Regional Dominance: Export value is heavily skewed toward the Americas, with South America (primarily Brazil) and North America (US and Canada) collectively accounting for nearly all global soybean and canola trade. This makes agricultural yields in these regions the primary determinant of world supply and prices.
Country Leaders: Brazil is the undisputed export leader, with its trade value reflecting its status as the world's largest soybean supplier, followed by the United States. The presence of Canada and Ukraine highlights specialization in canola and sunflower seeds, respectively.
FOB Valuation: These substantial figures reflect the value of the raw commodities at the point of origin, as exports are valued on a FOB (Free On Board) basis, excluding subsequent transport and insurance costs borne by the importers.
In conclusion, the UN Comtrade data reveals a bipolar trade world for oil seeds: a handful of nations in the Americas dominate the export of raw, high-value commodities, while processing powerhouses like China and the EU dominate the import side. This structure dictates the flow of protein and oil essential for global food and energy systems.
🥇 UN Comtrade SITC 22: Oil Seed Highest Absolute Value Growth by Country
The analysis of Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits (SITC 22) shows that the countries generating the highest absolute growth in value are the market giants, with China dominating imports and Brazil dominating exports. This growth is driven primarily by Soybeans (HS 1201) and inflated by high global commodity prices.
1. Import Absolute Value Growth Leader: China 🇨🇳
The country that generated the largest positive annual increase in Import Value in recent years was China.
| Country | Primary Commodity | Estimated Annual Import Value (2023) | Rationale for Highest Growth |
| China 🇨🇳 | Soybeans (HS 1201) | ~$59.4 Billion USD | Crushing Demand: As the largest global importer by far, any significant increase in its domestic crushing volume (e.g., rising 11.4% in 2023 volume) or an increase in global prices results in the largest absolute increase in import expenditure in USD. Its massive base value ensures it captures the largest share of the global import growth. |
2. Export Absolute Value Growth Leader: Brazil 🇧🇷
The country that generated the largest positive annual increase in Export Value in recent years was Brazil.
| Country | Primary Commodity | Estimated Annual Export Value (2023) | Rationale for Highest Growth |
| Brazil 🇧🇷 | Soybeans (HS 1201) | ~$53.2 Billion USD | Volume and Price: Driven by a record harvest year, Brazil's massive volume increase (up roughly 29% in volume in 2023) combined with high prices results in the largest dollar-for-dollar increase in global trade value. This country dictates the largest change in the global supply of the most valuable oilseed. |
🎯 Conclusion: Significance of Absolute Value Growth
The analysis of the highest absolute value growth confirms that the overall monetary expansion of the global oilseed trade is determined by the market giants:
Import Growth (China): High absolute import growth reflects the immense and growing industrial demand in processing nations for raw material to produce essential food and feed products.
Export Growth (Brazil): High absolute export growth signifies the success of agricultural production in capturing increased global demand and demonstrates the concentration of supply risk in a single country.
These large dollar figures illustrate that the bulk of the global market's financial dynamics is concentrated in the trade between these two dominant players.
🎯 Concentration, Specialization, and Growth in Global Oil Seed Trade (SITC 22)
The comprehensive analysis of UN Comtrade SITC 22 (Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits) confirms that global trade in this essential commodity is characterized by extreme concentration, functional specialization, and growth dominated by a few major players.
1. The Geographic and Economic Divide
The global oil seed trade is rigidly structured by a geographic specialization between producers and processors:
Export Dominance (The Producers): The supply side is controlled by the Americas (Brazil, United States, Canada). These countries collectively dictate the world's raw material supply, with their agricultural yields and government policies being paramount to global food security.
Import Dominance (The Processors): The demand side is controlled by Asia (primarily China) and the European Union. These regions, possessing massive crushing industries, import raw seeds to produce high-value animal feed protein and vegetable oils, capturing the majority of the value-added steps.
2. The Unchallenged High-Value Commodity
The entire SITC 22 trade is anchored by Soybeans (HS 1201). Accounting for the vast majority of the category's value (exports and imports), soybeans are essential for sustaining the world's livestock industry and providing a major source of edible oil. This singular focus heightens the global market's vulnerability to supply disruptions in the few key exporting nations.
3. The Dynamics of Absolute Value Growth
The trade data highlights that the overall monetary expansion of the oilseed trade is determined by the largest players:
Export Growth Leader (Brazil): Brazil generates the largest absolute growth in export value (USD) due to its overwhelming volume, driven by record harvests and price effects.
Import Growth Leader (China): China generates the largest absolute growth in import value (USD) due to its massive base demand for crushing, ensuring its expenditure is the largest factor in global import growth.
In conclusion, the UN Comtrade data for oil seeds illustrates an efficient but fragile global commodity chain, where the economic well-being and food supply of most of the world are fundamentally linked to the planting and purchasing decisions made by a handful of players in the US, Brazil, and China.
🎯 Concentration, Specialization, and Growth in Global Oil Seed Trade (SITC 22)
The comprehensive analysis of UN Comtrade SITC 22 (Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits) confirms that global trade in this essential commodity is characterized by extreme concentration, functional specialization, and growth dominated by a few major players.
1. The Geographic and Economic Divide
The global oil seed trade is rigidly structured by a geographic specialization between producers and processors:
Export Dominance (The Producers): The supply side is controlled by the Americas (Brazil, United States, Canada). These countries collectively dictate the world's raw material supply, with their agricultural yields and government policies being paramount to global food security. In 2023, Brazil alone was responsible for 57% of world soybean exports by value.
Import Dominance (The Processors): The demand side is controlled by Asia (primarily China) and the European Union. These regions, possessing massive crushing industries, import raw seeds to produce high-value animal feed protein and vegetable oils, capturing the majority of the value-added steps. In 2023, China accounted for 66% of the world's soybean imports by value.
2. The Unchallenged High-Value Commodity
The entire SITC 22 trade is anchored by Soybeans (HS 1201). Accounting for the vast majority of the category's value (exports and imports, estimated over $89 billion USD in 2023), soybeans are essential for sustaining the world's livestock industry and providing a major source of edible oil. This singular focus heightens the global market's vulnerability to supply disruptions in the few key exporting nations.
3. The Dynamics of Absolute Value Growth
The trade data highlights that the overall monetary expansion of the oilseed trade is determined by the largest players:
Export Growth Leader (Brazil): Brazil generates the largest absolute growth in export value (USD) due to its overwhelming volume, driven by record harvests (e.g., volume up roughly 29% in 2023) and price effects.
Import Growth Leader (China): China generates the largest absolute growth in import value (USD) due to its massive base demand for crushing, ensuring its expenditure is the largest factor in global import growth, even when unit prices fluctuate.
In conclusion, the UN Comtrade data for oil seeds illustrates an efficient but fragile global commodity chain, where the economic well-being and food supply of most of the world are fundamentally linked to the planting and purchasing decisions made by a handful of players in the US, Brazil, and China.