Global Rapeseed Meal Market Under Pressure: Export Volumes to Hit Lowest Since 2022

According to industry experts, the global rapeseed meal market is expected to face a significant shortfall in April–June 2025 — the most pronounced in recent years. The latest Oil World report identifies geopolitical tensions and trade barriers as the main constraints affecting global exports, already influencing pricing trends and demand structures.
One of the key uncertainties remains the outlook for Canadian canola meal shipments. Market participants are unclear under what conditions exports to China and the United States — two of the largest consumers of canola meal — can continue in the coming months. Additional pressure comes from the 50% tariff still imposed on Russian rapeseed meal imports into the European Union.

Against this backdrop, global export volumes of rapeseed meal are projected to fall significantly. In April–June 2025, they could drop to 2.1 million tonnes — down 400,000 tonnes, or 16%, from the same period last year. This would mark the lowest quarterly volume since Q3 2022.
Europe is experiencing particularly acute shortages. Seasonal reductions in rapeseed processing volumes are constraining meal supply. In Q1 2025, rapeseed meal usage in the EU totaled around 3 million tonnes — lower than both the 3.3 million tonnes recorded in January–March 2025 and the 3.4 million tonnes in the same period of 2024.

This supply gap has already pushed prices upward. In Northern Germany, rapeseed meal prices have reached $330 per tonne. Across the EU, the average price is now 5% higher than in April 2024, when it stood at $313 per tonne.

Meanwhile, Argentine soybean meal is trading at $377 per tonne — 11% below last year’s levels. This price advantage is prompting a shift in demand among feed manufacturers, particularly in price-sensitive markets.

Experts emphasize that the future trajectory of the rapeseed meal market will depend heavily on foreign trade decisions and policy shifts among major players. For now, the sector remains under pressure, and supply chain participants are actively seeking alternatives.

Key takeaways:
• Global rapeseed meal exports in April–June 2025 may drop to the lowest level since 2022 — just 2.1 million tonnes.
• The EU is facing a severe shortage, with processing volumes falling and imports restricted by tariffs.
• In Northern Germany, rapeseed meal prices have reached $330/tonne — 5% higher than a year ago.