Increasing global demand for flax strengthens Kazakhstan's position in the market
The Kazakhstan Association of Flax Producers has published a review of the state and prospects of the global flax market, in which it noted a steady growth in demand for linseed oil.
According to the association's forecast, the global flaxseed oil market will be worth $5.5 billion in 2026, and will grow to $8 billion by 2033 (CAGR 5.5%) due to increased consumption of plant-based omega-3s and bio-based coatings in construction, as well as the development of the cosmetics industry.
Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its position in this market. In 2025, it harvested a record 1.35 million tons of flax, and during September-January 2025/26 MY exported more than 634 thousand tons, which is twice the previous season. This was also facilitated by EU policy, where import duties on Russian flax increased from 20% in 2025 to 50% in 2026, which allowed Kazakhstan to increase supplies to the European market.
The largest buyers of Kazakh flax are Belgium, Germany, Poland and China. At the same time, competition from cheap raw materials from India and Ukraine is intensifying in the market, and the increase in sown areas in Kazakhstan and the USA may lead to global overproduction. The association notes that agricultural producers need to focus on product quality and long-term contracts.
Price dynamics in the domestic and export markets of the country are diverse. According to the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, during the week, domestic flax prices decreased by 2 thousand tenge/t to 223-228 thousand tenge/t or 458-468 $/t EXW, and export prices decreased by 5 $/t to 510-515 $/t FCA Kazakhstan. At the same time, prices for DAP Poland (550-555 €/t), C&F ARAG (670-675 $/t) and DAP Dostyk/Altinkol (530-540 $/t) remained stable, although prices in China decreased due to reduced demand and fluctuations in the yuan exchange rate.
