As operation rates are sharply lower in coastal China this week (Apr 10-16), rapeseed crush in 101 domestic mills surveyed by Cofeed is 45,000 tonnes, down 12,000 tonnes or 21.05% from 57,000 tonnes last week. Of it, imported rapeseed is 45,000 tonnes (meal 24,750 tonnes and oil 19,350 tonnes). Meanwhile, the operation rate (capability utilization) goes down to 8.98% from 11.38% last week, of which it is 0% for domestic rapeseed; and it goes to 21.79% from 27.6% last week for imported rapeseed in coastal regions. Rapeseed crush is expected to decrease to 36,000 tonnes next week due to swelling meal inventory, but it will pick up to 45,000 tonnes that following week as some mills resume production.

Fig. 1: Weekly Rapeseed Crush in China

Fig. 2: Rapeseed Operating Rate in China

Details for weekly crush by region are as follows: