Sunflowerseed prices in Ukraine continue to decline amid logistics problems

Sunflowerseed purchase prices in Ukraine continue to decline as demand from processors weakens amid difficulties exporting sunflower oil and meal. Over the past week, sunflowerseed prices fell by another UAH 500–1,000/t to UAH 14,500–17,000/t including VAT, or $280–340/t excluding VAT, delivered to crushing plants with 48% oil content. Increasing new-crop supplies are putting additional pressure on prices, although prolonged rainfall is delaying harvesting and prompting some farmers to postpone sales.

As of October 26, Ukraine had harvested sunflowerseed from 4.44 mln ha, or 85% of the planted area, producing 9.83 mln tons at an average yield of 2.21 t/ha, compared with 1.84 t/ha last year. Current estimates suggest total production could reach 12 mln tons, while USDA forecasts 13 mln tons. Meanwhile, persistent rainfall over the past 10–14 days has complicated the final stages of harvesting, increasing the risk of crop losses and deterioration in seed quality.

Lower minimum export prices for sunflowerseed have encouraged an increase in shipments abroad. During the first 22 days of October, Ukraine exported 25 thsd tons of sunflowerseed, mainly to Turkey, Italy and Austria. Exporters have also begun obtaining licenses for shipments to Bulgaria and Romania, which could accelerate deliveries under previously concluded contracts. Sunflowerseed bids for delivery to Bulgaria stand at €475–485/t, or approximately $530–540/t, while prices in Turkey remain at $600/t. However, a 10% import duty and high transportation costs reduce the attractiveness of the Turkish market.

Prices for processed sunflower products are also under pressure. Over the past week, sunflower oil prices in Ukraine declined to $900–1,000/t FCA plant amid rising road and rail transportation costs. Sunflower oil bids for delivery to EU countries stand at $1,300–1,320/t. During the first 22 days of October, Ukraine exported 178 thsd tons of sunflower oil and 217.7 thsd tons of sunflower meal. Meanwhile, logistics constraints continue to limit exports of processed products and weaken purchasing activity among sunflower crushing plants.

Additional competition in the global market comes from cheaper Russian products. Between May and October 2026, sunflowerseed prices in russia fell by 54% to RUB 18,000–27,000/t, or $220–330/t. In January–August, Russian sunflower meal exports increased by 30% to 3.39 mln tons, while the export price stood at approximately $250/t in October. Growing supplies of cheaper sunflower meal are intensifying competition in international markets and could put further pressure on prices for processed oilseed products, including Ukrainian exports.

Tags: Ukraine, prices, sunseed