Speaking at an industry conference, Ilyushin said Russia aims to maintain its leading position in the global sunflower oil market.
"Russia has become the world’s leading sunflower oil exporter. Our share for the past season was 38%, and we aim to maintain this share this season," he stated.
Russia also ranks second globally in rapeseed oil exports, holding a 19% market share. According to Ilyushin, nearly 90% of rapeseed oil exports are now directed to China, where Russia already accounts for 59% of total imports, leaving limited room for further expansion.
Overall, Russia is projected to export nearly 11 million tons of oil and fat products by the end of 2025, with exports spanning 117 countries. Key importers include China, Turkey, India, Belarus, Iran, and Kazakhstan.
Ilyushin noted that exports remain the main driver of growth in Russia’s oilseed processing sector, with around 70% of vegetable oils and 26% of meal production currently supplied to foreign markets.