Kazakhstan triples sunflower seed exports to China in September

Kazakhstan exported 9.1 thsd tons of sunflower seed to China in September 2026, three times more than in the same month last year. According to Kazakhstan’s State Revenue Committee, China accounted for almost all foreign demand for Kazakh sunflower seed, the Grain Union of Kazakhstan reported.

Kazakhstan’s total sunflower seed exports reached 9.2 thsd tons in September, the first month of the MY 2026/27. This was 1.88 times the August volume and 2.42 times the level recorded in September of the previous season.

China’s share of Kazakhstan’s total sunflower seed exports rose to 99%, compared with 79% in September 2025. As a result, the Chinese market became the dominant destination for Kazakh sunflower seed, accounting for nearly all of the increase in export shipments.

Meanwhile, sunflower seed shipments to Central Asian countries declined. Exports to Tajikistan halved to 0.1 thsd tons, while deliveries to Uzbekistan fell to zero, compared with 0.2 thsd tons in the same period last year.

Alongside rising sunflower seed exports, Kazakhstan continued to expand its domestic oilseed processing industry. In September, production of sunflower oil of all types reached 55.7 thsd tons, up 46.6% from the corresponding month of the previous season.

Tags: China, Kazakhstan, export, sunseed