EU Import Landscape: Decline Amid Disruptions
The European Union’s sunflower seed imports from third-country suppliers reached 679,000 tonnes in the 2024/25 marketing year, down from 719,000 tonnes the previous season, reflecting tighter supplies and subdued trading activity. Imports specifically from Ukraine plunged 57.2% to 24,802 tonnes in December 2024, as logistical hurdles and regulatory measures weighed on flows.
Argentina’s Bumper Crop: Acreage Expansion and Yield Gains
Argentina’s sunflower sector is on track for strong results in the 2024/25 season. With 3.8 million tonnes of seed crush forecast—up from 3.6 million tonnes in 2023/24—production is estimated at around 4.0 million tonnes, supported by favourable weather and improved agronomic practices . Export-oriented processing is driving robust oil shipments, with sunflower oil exports projected at 900,000 tonnes and seed exports at 160,000 tonnes in the current year.
Ukraine’s Slow Start: Sowing Delays Constrain Planting
In Ukraine, sunflower sowing has lagged far behind normal pace. As of mid-April, only 51,500 ha—just 1% of the planned 5.063 million ha—had been planted, compared with 99% completion at the same time last year, hampered by uneven weather and operational challenges.
Competitive Dynamics: Russia’s Dominance & Key Importers
Russia remains the world’s leading sunflower seed producer, forecast at 17.4 million tonnes for 2024/25, maintaining a clear edge over other suppliers . On the demand side, the top global importers in 2023 included Türkiye, Spain, the Netherlands, Bulgaria and France, collectively purchasing over one-third of internationally traded seeds .
