Ukraine loses global lead in sunflower oil exports for the first time in 20 seasons

Russia became the world’s largest sunflower oil exporter in the MY 2025/26, overtaking Ukraine, according to USDA’s September report. Ukraine had held the top position for 20 consecutive seasons, from 2005/06 through 2024/25.

USDA estimates Russia’s sunflower oil exports in 2025/26 at 4.2 mln tons, compared with 4.036 mln tons from Ukraine. In the previous season, Ukraine exported 4.744 mln tons, versus 4.2 mln tons from Russia.

In 2026/27, USDA expects exports from both countries to increase, with Russia projected to retain the top position. Russian exports are forecast at 5.1 mln tons, while Ukraine’s are seen at 5 mln tons. Compared with August, the forecast for Russia was raised by 100 thsd tons and for Ukraine by 50 thsd tons.

Sunflower oil production in 2025/26 is estimated at 6.897 mln tons in Russia and 4.515 mln tons in Ukraine. For the new season, USDA forecasts output at 7.806 mln tons and 5.418 mln tons, respectively.

USDA raised its 2026/27 sunflower seed production forecast for Russia by 300 thsd tons in September to 21 mln tons. The estimate for Ukraine was left unchanged at 13 mln tons.

Tags: Ukraine, Russia, sunflower oil, USDA Report