Ukraine resumes sunseed exports to Bulgaria after September pause

Ukraine has resumed sunflower seed shipments to Bulgaria by truck after exports were effectively suspended in September due to restrictions related to minimum export prices. As of October 8, the first shipment of 255 tons had cleared customs. This was reported by ASAP Agri CEO Kristina Serebriakova.

In September, the minimum export price mechanism effectively blocked Ukrainian sunflower seed shipments to Bulgaria by road. Delays in fulfilling contracts created additional difficulties for exporters and posed reputational risks for Ukrainian suppliers in the Bulgarian market.

The resumption of customs clearance has allowed the first shipments to proceed, although market participants remain cautious about the prospects for further deliveries. Traders are primarily focused on the updated minimum export prices scheduled for publication on October 10.

A reduction coefficient of 0.714 is expected to be applied to the new minimum export price table. This could facilitate export customs clearance and create more favorable conditions for resuming Ukrainian sunflower seed trade.

Meanwhile, Bulgarian importers are increasingly shifting toward seaborne deliveries, as most truck shipment programs have already been completed. Therefore, despite the resumption of road exports, future Ukrainian sunflower seed shipments to Bulgaria will depend on the new pricing conditions and available logistics capacity.

Tags: Bulgaria, export, sunseed, Ukraine