Lang
China has emerged as the principal destination for Ukrainian rapeseed meal, significantly leading import volumes during the 2025/26 marketing year. The Asian economic giant acquired 257,300 metric tons of the commodity, valued at $49.8 million.
Following China, Turkey secured the second position, importing 84,900 metric tons of Ukrainian rapeseed meal worth $16.9 million. Spain ranked third with purchases amounting to 69,300 metric tons, valued at $14.2 million. Israel and Italy completed the top five importers, acquiring 64,700 metric tons for $13.2 million and 23,400 metric tons for $4,500,000, respectively.
Concurrently, Ukraine experienced a substantial increase in its domestic rapeseed meal production, which surged by 79% year-on-year in 2025 to reach 540,460 metric tons. This growth aligns with broader agricultural trends, as China was also the leading buyer of Ukrainian barley during the same 2025/26 marketing season.
This boost in domestic processing follows a strategic move by Ukraine's government. On September 4, 2025, a 10% export duty was imposed on both rapeseed and soybeans. This measure was introduced with the dual objective of stimulating local processing activities and enhancing state revenues during wartime.
The introduction of this export duty has had a noticeable effect on Ukraine's agricultural sector. Since its implementation, the country has observed a sharp rise in the domestic production of oil and meal, coupled with a significant increase in the exports of processed agricultural goods.
However, the policy has drawn criticism. The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine commented that the 10% export duty on rapeseed and soybeans has effectively redirected revenues from agricultural producers to domestic processors. The Chamber estimated that this shift has inflicted cumulative losses of approximately $200 million on local farmers.
Source: The New Voice of Ukraine