Ukraine has not exported sunflower oil to India for three months

Ukraine has not shipped any sunflower oil to India over the past three months, despite India traditionally being one of the key buyers of Ukrainian sunflower oil. Meanwhile, Ukrainian exporters are losing ground in the Chinese market. This was reported by Stepan Kapshuk, Director General of the Ukroliyaprom Association, who stressed that restoring exports to Asian markets has become one of the main priorities for Ukraine’s vegetable oil industry.

According to Kapshuk, competition from other suppliers continues to intensify across Asian markets. “Unfortunately, we have not shipped a single ton to India over these three months, and we have also been pushed out of China. Therefore, our number one priority today is to regain access to Asian markets,” he said. The loss of traditional export destinations is forcing Ukrainian producers to rely increasingly on European buyers.

European countries currently account for around half of Ukraine’s sunflower oil exports. However, Kapshuk warned that competition in this market could intensify in the future, particularly due to increased shipments from Russia. Such a concentration of exports in Europe creates additional risks for Ukrainian processors and highlights the importance of diversifying export markets.

Argentina remains one of Ukraine’s main competitors in the global sunflower oil market, having significantly expanded sunflower seed production in recent years. According to Kapshuk, Argentina’s sunflower seed harvest has reached approximately 8 mln tons, allowing the country to increase sunflower oil production and exports, including to Asian markets traditionally served by Ukraine.

At the same time, Argentina’s seasonal production cycle creates certain opportunities for Ukrainian exporters. Before sunflower oil from Argentina’s new crop enters the global market, Ukraine could increase shipments and seek to regain its position among Asian buyers. Kapshuk believes that returning to the Indian and Chinese markets should become a strategic priority for Ukraine’s vegetable oil industry.

Tags: Ukraine, sunflower oil, India