Argentine farmers may reduce sunflower plantings amid weaker market outlook

Expected declines in global demand and sunflower prices could prompt Argentine farmers to reconsider their cropping plans for the 2026/27 season. According to analysts, even the crop’s historically strong profitability is unlikely to be enough to encourage a significant expansion in planted area this year.

The European Union and Turkey, the main importers of Argentine sunflower seed, are expected to reduce purchases by 0.7–1.0 mln tons year-on-year in the upcoming season. The decline is attributed to the recovery of domestic oilseed production in both regions.

Additional pressure on the market may come from an expected record sunflower harvest in Russia. Higher supplies are likely to push sunflower oil prices lower in the Azov-Black Sea region, weighing on global market prices as well.

Under these conditions, Argentine farmers may shift their focus to alternative crops, particularly corn, wheat, and soybeans. Analysts believe sunflower acreage in 2026/27 is likely to increase only marginally, if at all, and could remain at last season’s level.

At the same time, a potential decline in sunflower acreage poses risks for Argentina’s crushing industry. The country’s processing sector has the capacity to crush up to 5.5 mln tons of sunflower seed annually, but lower production could leave part of these facilities underutilized. Meanwhile, Argentine sunflower seed exports are projected to nearly halve to 500,000–600,000 tons.

Tags: export, sunseed, Argentina, sown area, crop forecast