USDA forecasts record global sunseed production in 2026/27

Global sunflower seed production is projected to reach a record 62.7 mln tons in the MY 2026/27, up 13% from the previous season, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The increase is expected to be driven primarily by larger harvests in Eastern Europe and the European Union.

Russia, Ukraine and the EU account for around three-quarters of global sunflower seed production, making crop improvements in these regions the key factor behind the expected record harvest. USDA forecasts Russia’s sunflower seed production at 20.7 mln tons, up about 18% from the 2025/26 season, allowing it to remain the world’s largest producer.

Ukraine’s sunflower seed harvest is expected to increase from 11 mln tons to 13 mln tons. Meanwhile, production in the EU-27 is forecast at 9.8 mln tons, more than 13% above last year’s 8.7 mln tons.

Argentina is also expected to harvest a record sunflower seed crop in the 2026/27 marketing year. Production is also projected to increase in Kazakhstan, China and Turkey.

The United States is the only major producer expected to record a smaller sunflower seed crop than in the previous season. Overall, the anticipated increase in global production is likely to intensify competition in the international sunflower seed and sunflower oil markets.