March 18, 2013

Domestic rapeseed production is forecast to rise to 12.7 million tonnes on slightly increased planted area, up from 12.5 million tonnes in 2012/13.

The USDA Beijing Bureau forecast China's rapeseed crush at 15.3 million tonnes in 2013, up from 14.9 million tonnes in 2012. The China National Grain Oilseed Information Centre estimates the country's current rapeseed crushing capacity at 40 million tonnes, with an utilisation rate of less than 40%. The large idle capacity will boost rapeseed imports to three million tonnes in 2013/14 from 2.85 million tonnes in 2012/13.

China continues to ban the entry of rapeseed imports to rapeseed-growing regions, due to phytosanitary concerns, a restriction which affects Canada and Australia.

Based on these issues, China also banned imports of Australian rapeseed in 2009. However, a government delegation visited Australia in 2013, which may resume Australian rapeseed exports to China.  

For 2013/14, the USDA forecast China's rapeseed meal production at 9.6 million tonnes with imports at 750,000 tonnes, and rapeseed oil production at 5.4 million tonnes with imports at 1.2 million tonnes.