Australian Oilseeds Industry
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.
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 | ||
| Canola 000’s tonnes | Cottonseed 000’s tonnes | |
| 2020/21 | 3,132 | 43 |
| 2019/20 | 1,717 | 5 |
| 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 |