Flaxseed prices in Kazakhstan rise amid strong demand from the EU

The domestic market in Kazakhstan is seeing a noticeable strengthening of flaxseed prices. Over the past week, prices for the oilseed crop increased by 5,000 tenge, reaching a range of 225,000–235,000 tenge per tonne (equivalent to $448–468 on an EXW basis). This was reported by Yevgeny Karabanov, Head of the Analytics Committee of the Grain Union of Kazakhstan.

The upward trend has also affected the export segment. In particular, quotations on an FCA Kazakhstan basis rose by $5, settling within the range of $485–499 per tonne. Sustained demand has also pushed prices higher in the European direction: Kazakh brown flax with 97% purity on a DAP Poland basis increased by €5 to €510–515 per tonne. Meanwhile, prices on a C&F ARAG basis remained stable at $650 per tonne for February shipments.

In contrast, the Chinese market is experiencing a downward price correction. Flaxseed prices there declined by 50–100 yuan, which, according to the expert, is a result of the global weakening of the US dollar. Domestic prices in China currently range between 4,700–5,050 yuan ($676–726), while quotations at the port of Tianjin (C&F) stand at 3,750–4,050 yuan ($540–583).

Commenting on the market situation, Yevgeny Karabanov noted that the rise in domestic prices in Kazakhstan reflects real demand, primarily driven by European Union countries. According to estimates by the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, by the end of the current marketing year in July, European buyers will need to import an additional 270,000–300,000 tonnes of flaxseed. This volume effectively corresponds to Kazakhstan’s entire remaining export potential for this period.