Introduction

Australian
Oilseeds Industry

 

Content

Industry Facts and Figures

Production

Australia usually produces between 2 to 3 million tonnes of oilseed crops each year, with canola and cottonseed accounting for over 90 per cent of total oilseed production, with soybeans and sunflower comprising a further 3 and 4 per cent respectively. Canola production is now the largest oilseed crop representing well over over half of Australian oilseed production over the past 5 years, while cottonseed comprises around a third.

There are also small quantities of minor oilseeds such as safflower and linseed grown in Australia.

Latest crop statistics can be found in the latest AOF Crop Report.

More detailed information can be found in the Historical Industry Production Statistics, which is available to members only .

Exports

While Australia is a relatively small producer of oilseeds by international standards, it is widely regarded for its high quality exports and has developed some significant international markets for its canola and cottonseed exports. Currently, the EU, China, Pakistan and the UAE are important markets for Australian canola; with China, Japan and the US being the major cottonseed destinations.

Exports by Crop

(Seed only)
Year 000's tonnes
Canola Cottonseed
2020/21 3,13243
2019/20 1,7175
2018/19 1,570 77
2017/18 2,250 234
2016/17 3,598 316
2015/16 1,946 147
2014/15 2,446 167
2013/14 3,194 464
2012/13 3,488 753
2011/12 2,295 662
2010/11 1,453 275
2009/10 1,238 106
2008/09 973 37
2007/08 570 18
2006/07 236 64
2005/06 878 187
2004/05 1,022 230
2003/04 1,087 167
2002/03 1,047 157
2001/02 1,234 501
2000/01 1,423 636