EU cut sunseed processing to a 9-year minimum

Oil World analysts (Germany) are recording a sharp decline in overall oilseed processing volumes in the European Union. Despite rising demand for soybeans and rapeseed, a sunseed shortage due to low stocks and a protracted harvest has led to lower figures. Total processing volumes of soybeans, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds in July-September fell to 11.85 million tonnes, 2% lower than the previous year.

Although soybean and rapeseed processing showed a slight increase (to 3.5 and 6.62 million tonnes, respectively), this increase was completely offset by the collapse of the sunflower market. Sunflower processing volumes for these months fell to 1.74 million tonnes, down from 2.02 million tonnes the previous year. This is due to depleted stocks from last season and a significant delay in harvesting the new crop. In 2024/25, sunflower seed processing volumes fell to 7.47 million tonnes, down from 9.32 million tonnes in the previous season. This is the lowest figure in nine years. The largest declines occurred in key agricultural countries: Bulgaria, Romania, France, Hungary, and the Netherlands.

Amid sunflower seeds problems, soybeans have significantly strengthened their position. In 2024/25, soybean processing in the European Union increased by 7%, reaching 15.5 million tonnes. Soybean meal production has significantly increased, reaching 22.2 million tonnes from 18.4 million tonnes a year earlier. This allows soybean meal to more actively displace rapeseed and sunflower meal in the competitive European feed protein market.

Rapeseed processing in MY 2024/25 also showed a decrease, with the volume amounting to 25.12 million tonnes compared to 25.98 million tonnes last season.

Tags: sunseed, EU