The Japan Oilseed Processors Association asks related media personnel to choose the top 10 new stories involving the vegetable oil industry each year, and we will be sharing the selections here.
In 2017, the United States had excellent crop yields once again, with estimates anticipating a new record for the year. Canadian rapeseed production is also expected to exceed all previous records. On the other hand, the demand for oils continues to grow, with international value remaining high. Within Japan, although there continues to be strong demand for a variety of oils, a weak yen exchange rate has caused major cost increases for the oil production industry due to dependence on importation for raw materials, and shipping costs are also on the rise.
The Top 10 News Stories in the Vegetable Oil Industry for 2017 reflect these conditions. We can only hope that more of the top 10 news reports next year are happier stories.
| Ranking | Item |
| 1 | Even though both soybeans and rapeseed had excellent crop yields, the price of these oils remains high due to even greater increase in demand |
| 2 | Raw material costs remain high due to weak yen exchange rates, and other factors such as rapidly rising shipping costs make expenses for producers severe |
| 3 | Due to established commitment to good health, demand for a variety of oils such as olive, rice bran, sesame, flaxseed, and perilla remains strong |
| 4 | Country of origin labeling requirements expanded to product ingredients in processed foods, origin labeling for vegetable oils now required |
| 5 | The volume of soybeans used in domestic oil production increases for the 3rd year in a row (achieving a level of over 2 million tons for 3 consecutive years) |
| 6 | The 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics organization considers supply standards for palm oil |
| 7 | Strengthened cooperation between the IOC (International Olive Council) and the Japan Oilseed Processors Association |
| 8 | Meeting to consider matters related to the genetic modification labeling system held |
| 9 | Soybean production in the United States exceeds all historical records for the 2nd year in a row |
| 10 | U.S. Soybean Export Council launches the "Soy Oil Master" certification exam |
Note: The Top 10 News stories for the year are chosen by votes from 9 oil production industry trade paper companies and the chairman of the Japan Oilseed Processors Association.
