High demand for sunflower seeds in Ukraine supports prices amid growing interest in sunflower oil

The increase in palm oil prices in Malaysia from $910–915 to $990–995/t per month slowed its exports and increased demand for sunflower oil. In the first half of July, palm oil exports decreased by 5–6%, which contributed to the increase in sunflower oil purchases.

In June, India increased its imports of edible oils by 30% compared to May, including palm (+61%, to 953 thousand tons) and sunflower (+18%, to 216 thousand tons). In July, palm purchases are expected to decline and sunflower imports to increase further.

Prices for sunflower oil delivered to India remain stable at $1,195–1,200/t (CIF Mumbai), while in Ukraine at $1,100–1,110/t (delivered to Black Sea ports). Demand remains active.

Purchase prices for sunflower seeds in Ukraine have not changed in a week: 26,500–26,800 UAH/t or 555–565 $/t excluding VAT (with delivery to the factory). Processors are actively purchasing raw materials, fearing a low harvest due to drought in the south.

Demand prices for sunflower meal increased to $220–225/t (delivered to port), following the increase in prices for feed wheat and barley ( $208–210/t ).

In June, sunseed processing in Ukraine decreased by 11% to 1 million tons. In total, for September-June MY 2024/25 , the processing volume amounted to 10.5–10.6 million tons — 21% less than last year, and one of the lowest figures in recent years.

In July, thanks to active oil exports, processing is expected to increase to 1.1–1.2 million tons. The total figure for the season is likely to not exceed 12.5 million tons.

Tags: Ukraine, sunflower oil, prices, sunseed