Turkey’s sunflower seed crop to rise to 1.8 mln tons

Turkey’s sunflower seed crop in 2026/27 is forecast to rise to 1.8 mln tons, up 550 thsd tons from the previous season, according to USDA. The increase is supported by favourable weather conditions and a marginal expansion in planted area to 770 thsd ha.

Of the total crop, around 1.5 mln tons is expected to be used for oil crushing, 255 thsd tons for confectionery purposes and 45 thsd tons for planting seed. As of mid-September, around 60% of the harvest had been completed.

Despite higher domestic production, Turkey’s sunflower seed consumption in 2026/27 is forecast at around 3.4 mln tons. The country remains heavily dependent on imports of sunflower seed and sunflower oil, primarily from the Black Sea region.

USDA forecasts sunflower seed imports at 1.8 mln tons. Due to supply disruptions from deep-water Black Sea ports, Turkish importers have partly shifted their focus to suppliers in the western Black Sea region and river ports. Around 400 thsd tons have already been contracted for delivery in September-November.

Turkey’s sunflower oil production in 2026/27 is forecast at around 1.4 mln tons. Sunflower oil imports may fall by 360 thsd tons to 840 thsd tons, while exports are projected at 1.07 mln tons, supported by demand from Africa and the Middle East.

Tags: Turkey, sunseed, imports