Asymmetry in the Ukrainian oilseed market: meal is in greater demand than edible oil

The oilseed market remains unbalanced: demand for processed products, in particular meals, remains stable, while the edible oil segment shows weaker dynamics.

This was reported by Spike Brokers in Telegram.

In the sunflower segment, the market structure is formed due to the gap between processed products and oil.

Demand for meal remains active, while sunflower oil is not supported by either energy markets or physical demand.

European oil prices are held at around $1,475 FOB without an expansion of premiums, and trading activity remains selective.

In Ukraine, sunflower seed prices have increased to $722 (CPT), which widens the gap with oil prices and narrows the processing margin. In Ukraine, sunflower seed prices have risen to $722 (CPT), widening the gap with oil prices and narrowing processing margins. In such conditions, processors are restraining sunseed purchases.

The export structure is also changing: in April, shipments of sunflower meal exceeded 60 thousand tons, in particular to Poland (9.4 thousand tons), the Netherlands (9.9 thousand tons) and China (over 16 thousand tons). At the same time, exports of sunflower oil are about 17 thousand tons, with the main supplies going to Poland (8.9 thousand tons) and Spain (5 thousand tons).

The asymmetry in the soybean market also persists: meal remains a key driver of demand, while oil does not form price support. Against the background of active sales of soybean meal in the USA, weak sales figures for soybean oil are observed.

In Europe, soybean oil prices fluctuate within 1185–1225 €/t without significant changes. In Ukraine, soybeans are traded at around $439 (CPT port), while the processing parity remains higher at around $495 with VAT, indicating stable domestic demand.

Exports in April confirm the dominance of processed products: soybean supplies are around 32,000 tonnes, including Turkey (7,100 tonnes) and the EU, while soybean meal exports exceed 41,000 tonnes, mainly to Poland (19,300 tonnes). Soybean oil exports remain limited at around 17,000 tonnes, mainly to the EU.

Tags: Ukraine, sunflower oil, soybean oil, sunseed, edible oils, sunflower meal, rapeseed oil