Flaxseed Prices Fall to Multi-Year Lows

October 2026: plenty of supply and weak demand are pushing flaxseed prices down. That makes this a good season for buyers.

Coriander keeps getting more expensive, but flaxseed (linseed) is going the other way. Prices in the main producing and exporting countries have fallen steadily since spring and are now at their lowest level in several years. Here's why, and what it means if you buy flaxseed.

1. Kazakhstan prices at a three-year low

Kazakhstan is now one of the world's biggest flaxseed exporters, and its prices have fallen steadily through 2026. In mid-May, farm-gate (EXW) prices were around $485–495 per tonne. By early September they were down to about $405–416 per tonne, a fall of more than 15%. Export prices (FCA Kazakhstan) fell from $520–525 to $440–445 per tonne over the same period. Prices for delivery are now at a three-year low. Farmers in Kazakhstan planted 41% more flax this year, so even though heat and drought cut yields in some regions, the harvest is still expected to grow to about 1.45 million tonnes.

2. China is buying less

China is the biggest flaxseed importer in the world. It bought a record 1.44 million tonnes in the 2025/26 season, and Chinese importers are now sitting on large stocks. Buying has slowed sharply, which leaves more Kazakh and Russian seed looking for buyers elsewhere, especially in Europe.

3. Canada has plenty of old stock

Canadian flaxseed prices are also at their lowest level in years. Canada's 2026 harvest is about 15% smaller, at around 386,000 tonnes, because yields were lower. Even so, large stocks left over from last season mean there is still plenty of Canadian seed available.

4. More supply heading to Europe

With demand from China weak, more Kazakh flaxseed is expected to come to the EU. Delivered prices to Poland have already eased, from €550–555 per tonne in May to €510–515 per tonne in September. The one cost moving the other way is freight. Russian grain moving through the Baltic, after the closure of Novorossiysk, has raised shipping rates on some routes into northwest Europe.

What this means for buyers

For flaxseed buyers, this is one of the best price periods in recent years. If flaxseed is part of your plans for the coming months, now is a good time to look at forward contracts. We supply non-GMO golden flaxseed grown in Bulgaria, cleaned and sized for bakery, cold-pressed oil and functional foods. Get in touch with our team for current prices and availability.