Sunseed processing in Moldova is facing problems

This season, the export of sunflower seeds from Moldova reached 334 thsd tons, which shows a significant increase compared to 221 thsd tons last season and 154.5 thsd tons in 2022/23.

Despite the large export volumes, agro-market expert Yuri Ryzha in an interview with Agtoexpert.md states that this trend indicates an alarming situation: the domestic processing of sunflower seeds into oil within the Republic is degrading, which negatively affects the local processing industry and is being created within the country. Instead of capitalizing on the potential of the processing industry, Moldova is becoming increasingly dependent on foreign markets, where sunseed is sold as a raw material at prices lower than the value of processed products.

In the current season, the average price of exported sunflower is higher than last season, but remains below the level of the 2021/2022 season, the agency notes. However, the average price for January 2025, which is 12.15 lei/kg ($650/ton), is the highest in the last five years, signaling opportunities for sellers. Another noteworthy aspect is the sharp increase in exports in January 2025, which reached 40.3 thsd tons in the period from January 1 to January 24, compared to 30.7 thsd tons in January 2024 and only 10 thousand tons in January 2023.

“In today’s context, it is important for farmers and processors to work together to create efficient value chains that maximize mutual profits,” the expert said.

Earlier it became known that oil extraction plants in Ukraine reduced sunseed processing, and the largest processor was forced to stop one of the mills due to the lack of raw materials.

Tags: sunseed, Moldova