Ukraine increases sunseed exports 4.2 times

Ukraine increased sunflower seed exports 4.2 times during October 1–22, 2026, compared with the same period in September, reaching 25 thsd tons against 6 thsd tons. The value of exports amounted to $12.5 mln. According to Spike Brokers, the main buyers of Ukrainian sunflower seeds were Turkey, which imported 9.3 thsd tons, Italy with 6.5 thsd tons, and Austria with 3.1 thsd tons.

Sunflower oil shipments also increased significantly. During the first 22 days of October, Ukraine exported 177.6 thsd tons of sunflower oil worth $234.6 mln, compared with 86.6 thsd tons worth $123 mln during the corresponding period in September. Thus, export volumes more than doubled. The largest buyers of Ukrainian sunflower oil were Turkey (32.4 thsd tons), Romania (24.4 thsd tons), and the Netherlands (22.6 thsd tons).

Sunflower cake exports also showed positive dynamics. During October 1–22, shipments reached 217.7 thsd tons, up 15.1% from 189.2 thsd tons during the same period in September. The main export destinations remained Poland, which purchased 70.7 thsd tons, China (44.8 thsd tons), and Romania (33.7 thsd tons).

Meanwhile, sunflower oil prices on the European market rose sharply. As of October 22, November price indications had increased by 12% over the week, while December prices gained 8.3%. In particular, sunflower oil prices on an FOB Northern Europe basis reached $1,490/t for November delivery (+$160/t) and $1,440/t for December delivery (+$110/t). The premium for nearby delivery over December shipments stood at $50/t.

Despite rising sunflower oil prices, the Ukrainian sunflower seed market showed the opposite trend. According to Spike Brokers, sunflower seed purchase prices declined by 5.3%, or $20/t, to $360/t CPT plant. Thus, higher prices for processed products on the European market have yet to translate into stronger purchase prices for raw materials in Ukraine.

Tags: Ukraine, export, sunseed