In this brief article, we will explore which countries produce the most vegetable oil and identify the industry’s key players. For more details, read Top 20 Vegetable Oil Producing Countries in the World.
8. Ukraine
Average Annual Vegetable Oil Production: 6.11 million tons
Ukraine is the world’s largest producer of sunflower, leading to substantial sunflower oil production. Currently, the country’s average sunflower oil output is 6 million tons, thanks to the nation’s fertile chernozem soils and temperate climate. The rigorous quality standards and a focus on export-oriented production have positioned Ukrainian sunflower oil as a global favorite.
7. Russia
Average Annual Vegetable Oil Production: 6.71 million tons
Like neighboring Ukraine, Russia’s yield of sunflower is among the highest in the world. The country produces approximately 6.02 million tons of sunflower oil, which is known for its lightweight properties and health benefits. Russia also produces substantial quantities of canola and soybean oil, though these pale compared to sunflower oil.
6. Argentia
Average Annual Vegetable Oil Production: 8.93 million tons
Argentina’s leading position in vegetable oil production is due to its soybean cultivation. The UN FAO reports that the country’s two primary vegetable oils are soybean, with an annual yield of around 7 million tons, and sunflower oil, with a yearly yield of 1 million tons. The Pampas region in Argentina, with its fertile soils, is ideal for soy farming and gives the nation a strong position in the market.
5. Brazil
Average Annual Vegetable Oil Production: 11.28 million tons
Brazil’s tropical climate supports its soybean oil yield of close to 9 million tons. Other rewarding vegetable oils produced in the country are sunflower, maize, and cottonseed. The country aims to ensure consistent supply to global markets through high-yield oil extraction methods.
4. United States Of America
Average Annual Vegetable Oil Production: 13.71 million tons
The US is a key player in the soybean, corn, and canola oil markets. Its soybean oil production stands at 11 million tons, making it the second-highest in the world. Other notable vegetable oils in the US include maize oil, driven by the country’s corn production of over 300 million tons, and canola oil.
3. Malaysia
Average Annual Vegetable Oil Production: 21.96 million tons
Malaysia is the second-largest palm oil producer, with a current yield of around 19 million tons. Advanced milling and refining processes elevate the country’s oil quality, reinforcing its reputation as a leading vegetable oil producer. The nation also produces palm kernel and soybean oil, courtesy of its tropical climate.
2. China
Average Annual Vegetable Oil Production: 24.19 million tons
China is the world’s largest soybean oil producer, with current production levels at 16 million tons. The nation’s agricultural terrain also supports extensive rapeseed and groundnut cultivation. Consequently, China’s annual canola oil yield is nearly 2.9 million tons, while its groundnut oil production reaches 1.9 million tons.
1. Indonesia
Average Annual Vegetable Oil Production: 42.29 million tons
Indonesia stands unparalleled in palm oil production, benefiting from its tropical climate and fertile soils. The country’s average palm oil yield is 40 million tons annually, the highest globally. Indonesia also produces substantial amounts of palm kernel oil and soybean oil.
Subscribe to Insider Monkey’s exclusive newsletter now to gain unparalleled insights into financial markets. Enter your email address below to be the first to receive our timely updates and expert analyses. You can also read 20 Most Grown Crops In The World and 20 Countries That Produce the Most Sugar.