EU Commission Raises 2026/27 Oilseed Production Forecast by 220,000 Tons

May 28, 2026, 1:19 PM

LYDD-Global

Guide

Highlights at a glance

The European Commission forecasts EU oilseed production to reach 32.55 million tons in 2026/27, driven by gains in rapeseed and sunflower seeds. Rapeseed output hits 20.85 million tons, sunflower seeds reach 8.91 million tons, while soybeans dip slightly to 2.79 million tons. Crushing activity rises to 48.21 million tons with a 3.6% annual increase. Vegetable oil production climbs 4.4% to 16.85 million tons, supported by higher sunflower and rapeseed oil yields. Imports of oilseeds grow modestly, while vegetable oil imports fall 4.8% year-on-year, led by lower palm and rapeseed oil. Ending stocks for oilseed meal remain stable at 490,000 tons.

According to a report released by the European Commission on May 26, the total production of oilseeds (rapeseed, sunflower seed, and soybeans) in the EU for the 2026/27 marketing year is forecast to reach 32.55 million tons. This figure represents an increase of 220,000 tons (or 0.7%) from the previous month's forecast and a 2.6% rise compared to the 2025/26 crop year.

🌾 Breakdown by Oilseed Variety

Rapeseed: Production is expected to reach 20.85 million tons, up from last month's estimate of 20.78 million tons and significantly higher than the previous year's 20.18 million tons.
Soybeans: Output is projected at 2.79 million tons, slightly higher than last month's forecast of 2.75 million tons, but slightly lower than the previous year's 2.82 million tons.
Sunflower Seeds: Production is estimated at 8.91 million tons, an increase from the previous forecast of 8.80 million tons and the prior year's 8.72 million tons.

📊 Supply and Demand for Oilseeds

Imports: Total oilseed imports for 2026/27 are projected at 20.82 million tons, slightly up from last month's estimate and a 2.1% increase year-on-year.
Crushing: The crushing volume is expected to reach 48.21 million tons, higher than the previous forecast of 48.00 million tons, marking an increase of 1.69 million tons (or 3.6%) from the previous year.
Ending Stocks: Forecast to remain at 2.86 million tons, unchanged from last month but a 4.9% decrease compared to the previous year.

🧱 Oilseed Meal Outlook

Production: Estimated at 30.46 million tons, an upward revision of 120,000 tons (0.4%) from last month and a 3.2% increase year-on-year.
Imports: Projected to remain flat at 20.20 million tons, representing a 0.9% increase from the previous year.
Domestic Use: Expected to reach 48.47 million tons, up from last month's estimate of 48.32 million tons and an increase of 620,000 tons (1.3%) year-on-year.
Ending Stocks: Expected to remain stable at 490,000 tons, unchanged from both last month and the previous year.

🛢️ Vegetable Oil Outlook

Production: The output of vegetable oils (rapeseed, sunflower, and soybean oil) is forecast at 16.85 million tons, an increase of 70,000 tons from last month and a rise of 710,000 tons (4.4%) from the previous year. This upward revision is primarily driven by a 48,000-ton increase in sunflower oil production and a 26,000-ton increase in rapeseed oil.
Imports: Total vegetable oil imports are expected to hold steady at 5.86 million tons, a decrease of 290,000 tons (4.8%) from the previous year.

Vegetable Oil Import Breakdown (in 10,000 tons):