Sunflower seed prices in Ukraine plunge as crushing activity slows

Ukrainian crushing plants have nearly halted purchases of sunflower seed following the disruption of Black Sea exports and a shift toward rapeseed processing, triggering a sharp decline in domestic sunflower seed prices.

The drop in rapeseed prices to UAH 20,000-21,000/ton due to export constraints has significantly improved crushing margins. As a result, most processors have switched to rapeseed, while only smaller crushing plants that lack the technical capacity to process rapeseed continue crushing sunflower seed for the domestic market.

All oilseed crushing plants in southern Ukraine have suspended both sunflower seed and rapeseed processing because of missile attacks, infrastructure damage, and the shutdown of seaborne exports of meal and vegetable oil. Only part of the processing industry in central Ukraine continues crushing rapeseed, a process that could last until November-December due to abundant rapeseed supplies.

Domestic sunflower seed purchase prices have fallen by UAH 4,000-5,000/ton to UAH 27,000-29,000/ton (50% oil content), delivered to the plant. Processors have also started offering UAH 20,000-22,000/ton for the new sunflower seed crop, further increasing downward pressure on the market.

Export bid prices for sunflower oil remain relatively high at $1,320-1,335/ton delivered to the Danube ports. Meanwhile, bid prices for sunflower oil in India and for Russian sunflower oil with August shipment have increased to $1,370/ton FOB. However, the market expects prices to decline sharply once the new crop becomes available, driven by larger supplies and lower crude oil prices.

Favorable weather conditions for sunflower crops in Ukraine and Russia are improving production prospects, while another heatwave across the European Union is reducing yield expectations. This could provide support for sunflower seed and sunflower oil prices during the second half of the MY 2026/27.

Tags: Ukraine, prices, sunseed