Global sunseed production to reach 59.3 mln tons in 2025/26

Global sunflower seed production in the MY 2025/26 is projected to reach 59.3 mln tons, a 7.6% or 4.2 mln ton increase from the previous season’s 55.1 mln tons, according to analysts at Germany’s Oil World. The growth is attributed to a low base from last year, when heat and drought led to the lowest sunflower seed harvest in four years.

In the Black Sea region, sunflower seed production is recovering but falling short of initial expectations due to adverse weather conditions. Excessive heat and drought in June and early July affected yields in Ukraine, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey. Analysts estimate Ukraine’s sunflower seed harvest at 13.5 mln tons, while Russia is expected to achieve a record 17.8 mln tons, both below earlier forecasts but improved from last year.

Global sunflower seed stocks at the start of the season remain relatively low, potentially limiting processing volumes. Oil World forecasts global sunflower seed processing at 53.2 mln tons in 2025/26, up from 49.9 mln tons in 2024/25 but below 55.5 mln tons in 2023/24. Limited stocks and weather challenges create uncertainty for the processing industry.

The International Grains Council (IGC) projects global sunflower seed production at 56.6 mln tons in 2025/26, a 9% increase from last year. This forecast is more conservative than Oil World’s but confirms the upward trend. Both projections point to a recovery following a challenging previous season.

Improved sunflower seed harvests in key regions, particularly Ukraine and Russia, could positively impact the global oilseed market, though weather risks remain significant. Analysts emphasize the need for advancements in agricultural technology and irrigation systems to ensure stable production in the future.

Tags: sunseed, crop forecast