Export guide: Flax in China

Growing consumer interest in healthy diets and omega-3 fatty acids is driving demand for oilseed flax in China. Less than half of the volume of oilseed flax in China comes from domestic production, the rest is imported from abroad. According to the results of 2020, China imported 373 thousand tons of oil flax in the amount of $ 171 million. China's flaxseed imports are expected to increase in the medium term, reaching about 500,000 tonnes in 2024. Russia began wholesale shipments of flax seeds to the Middle Kingdom in 2016, and as of 2020 was one of the leaders among suppliers with a share of 27% in physical terms and 25% in value terms. “Russia is in the top 3 world exporters of oil flax, competing with Canada and Kazakhstan. At the same time, the proximity of the Chinese market gives logistical advantages to Russian companies, primarily exporters from the Siberian Federal District. Although consumption of flax and linseed oil is increasing, it is still a niche product. An ...