Argentina’s sunflower seed imports are set to significantly impact Bulgaria’s domestic market in the coming weeks, with volumes potentially reaching up to 400,000 tons — roughly a quarter of the country’s annual harvest. This surge in supply comes at a time when local farmers are holding back sales and price differences between imported and domestic seeds are creating heightened competition, according to Agroportal.bg.
The first vessel carrying Argentine sunflower seeds, the m/v CRATER, is currently off the coast of Morocco and is expected to arrive in Bulgarian ports around March 1 with a cargo of 40,000 tons. In total, nine additional ships are scheduled to deliver sunflower seeds to Bulgaria throughout February and early March, with three already en route, one being loaded, and five more awaiting shipment. Three further vessels are destined for Romania.
With a typical transit time of about 30 days from Argentina, these shipments could add nearly half a million tons of sunflower seeds to the Balkan supply balance. For Bulgaria, where domestic production is around 1.5 million tons, the 400,000-ton import would account for approximately 26–27% of the national crop, making it a significant market factor and potentially keeping local prices in check.
Imported sunflower seeds from Argentina are trading at around $580–590/ton CIF, while DAP Varna and Burgas prices are roughly €520/ton. The quality of Argentine seeds — typically 44% oil content, up to 8% moisture, and around 2% impurities — makes them competitive with local production.
Local Bulgarian farmers are largely holding back their sunflower sales, anticipating higher prices following a weaker domestic harvest. Similar trends have been observed in Romania and Ukraine, where domestic production has also declined.
Logistical costs in Argentina and port handling increase the final price for European buyers, but even with these expenses, Argentine sunflower seeds remain competitive with local supply. As a result, they could pose a serious challenge to Bulgaria’s domestic market in the coming months.
