Sunseed prices in Russia have nearly halved since the start of the year

Sunseed purchase prices in Russia fell sharply in the second half of 2026. The average price stood at around RUB 48.5 thsd/t (about $600/t) in January but had dropped to RUB 26.59 thsd/t (about $307/t) by September 12. This means sunseed prices have fallen by roughly 45% since the beginning of the year.

The market remained relatively stable in the first half of the year, with prices at around RUB 47.8–48.2 thsd/t in February–March and briefly rising to RUB 49.1 thsd/t in April–May. The situation changed sharply from the summer amid expectations of larger new-crop supplies and limited marketing opportunities.

The steepest decline came in August–September. Sunseed was priced at around RUB 46.05 thsd/t (about $570/t) in late July, falling to an average of RUB 38.5 thsd/t (about $450/t) in August and further to RUB 26.59 thsd/t ($307/t) in September. Prices dropped by around 31% in September alone.

One of the main pressure factors is the 50% export duty on sunseed, which significantly limits raw seed exports. The oilseed sector’s export potential was further reduced after damage to the EFKO terminal in Taman, which disrupted shipments of processed products. As a result, larger volumes of raw material remain on the domestic market, while processors are unable to absorb all available supply and are reducing purchasing activity.

Expectations of large carryover stocks are adding further pressure. Market participants estimate that stocks could exceed 5 mln tons by the end of the season. If restrictions on sunseed exports, disruptions to processed product shipments and high domestic supply persist, a recovery in purchase prices may remain limited.

Tags: Russia, prices, sunseed