The European Union (EU) has ramped up its imports of rapeseed meal, particularly from Russia and Belarus, during the first eight months of the 2023/24 period. This surge in imports, driven by attractive price levels, highlights the EU’s reliance on external sources to meet its rapeseed meal needs.
Increased Imports from Russia and Belarus
Against the backdrop of favorable pricing, the EU Ministry of Agriculture reported a 16% increase in rapeseed meal imports, totaling 681.5 thousand tons. Notably, imports from Russia saw an 11% uptick to 281.83 thousand tons, comprising 41% of the total import volume. Belarus emerged as the second-largest supplier, delivering 208.2 thousand tons of meal.
Ukraine’s Growing Role
Ukraine significantly expanded its contribution to the EU’s rapeseed meal imports, delivering 143,500 tons, doubling last year’s figures. This surge propelled Ukraine to the third spot among major suppliers, surpassing Great Britain and Serbia.
Destination Markets
The majority of rapeseed meal imports are channeled to Lithuania, Spain, and France, according to the Information Society of the Agricultural Market (mbH).
Drivers of Increased Imports
The Union for the Promotion of the Production of Oil and Protein Crops (UFOP) attributes the rise in imports to the substitution of soybean meal with rapeseed meal in animal feed, particularly in dairy farming across Germany and other EU nations. The cost-effectiveness of rapeseed meal protein compared to soybean offers a viable alternative without compromising productivity.
Future Prospects
Despite current plantations covering 6 million hectares in the EU-27, UFOP’s “10+10” strategy suggests significant untapped potential. By promoting large-grain legumes cultivation, the EU aims to reduce its dependence on imported feed protein in the long run.