Argentina boosts sunseed exports to EU 48-fold, becoming largest supplier

The European Union imported 240.48 thsd tons of sunflower seeds between July 1 and October 25, 2026, up 73.9% from 138.26 thsd tons during the same period last season. According to preliminary European Commission data, imports also exceeded the corresponding 2024/25 MY level by 30.3%.

Argentina became the largest supplier of sunflower seeds to the EU, exporting 101.1 thsd tons during the first 17 weeks of the 2026/27 MY, compared to just 2.1 thsd tons a year earlier. As a result, Argentine sunflower seed shipments increased 48-fold, while the country’s share of total EU imports surged from 1.52% to 42.04%.

Serbia remained the second-largest supplier, increasing sunflower seed exports to the EU by 75.6% to 48.68 thsd tons, compared to 27.71 thsd tons last season. Its share of EU imports reached 20.24%, remaining almost unchanged year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Moldova, which was the EU’s largest sunflower seed supplier a year earlier with a 59.57% share, dropped to third place. Shipments from Moldova declined from 82.36 thsd tons to 48.25 thsd tons, reducing its market share to 20.06%. Thus, the sharp increase in Argentine exports was accompanied by a significant shift in market shares among the leading suppliers.

Ukraine also significantly increased its sunflower seed exports to the European market. During the reporting period, Ukrainian shipments reached 11.76 thsd tons, compared to 1.89 thsd tons a year earlier, marking a 6.2-fold increase. Ukraine’s share of total EU sunflower seed imports rose from 1.36% to 4.89%, although shipment volumes remained well below those of Argentina, Serbia and Moldova.

Tags: EU, sunseed, Argentina