March sees season-high sunflower oil exports from Ukraine

In March, Ukraine increased its sunflower oil exports by 18% compared to the previous month to a record 427 thousand tons this season, which is 3% lower than in March 2025.

At the same time, deliveries to Jordan increased 7.7 times compared to February to 35 thousand tons, to Turkey – 2.4 times to a 10-month maximum of 40 thousand tons, to Saudi Arabia – 14 times to an 8-month maximum of 15 thousand tons. At the same time, deliveries to the UAE decreased by 32%, to Qatar – by 85%, and to Iraq were completely absent.

The increase in supplies to certain Middle Eastern countries is due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, near which the main ports and transshipment terminals of importing countries are located, which are now forced to seek alternative supply routes, including overland through neighboring countries with access to the Red Sea.

Overall, in March, sunflower oil exports to the Middle East (including Turkey) almost doubled compared to February and amounted to 106.6 thousand tons, which was the highest figure since June 2025.

Against the backdrop of the war with Iran, prices for sunflower oil in Ukraine increased from $1,250/t to $1,300/t with delivery to ports, which contributed to an increase in sunflower prices and an increase in processing volumes.

In April, the seasonal increase in sunflower supplies will continue, and export demand for oil will remain high due to higher prices for crude oil, palm oil, and soybean oil.