🌻 Sunflower and Sunflower Oil Prices in Ukraine Rise Amid Tight Supply and Strong Processing Demand
Зміст
Market Overview
Ukraine’s sunflower market has entered a new phase of price growth driven by limited raw material supply and the gradual recovery of processing activity, particularly in southern regions. Reduced attacks on port infrastructure allowed some crushing plants to partially resume operations despite ongoing energy challenges.
The renewed demand from processors and increased competition for available volumes have supported upward price dynamics in the domestic market.
Sunflower Seed Prices
During the reported period, processors increased sunflower purchasing prices by approximately UAH 500 per ton.
Current indicative price levels reached:
- UAH 30,000–30,500 per ton (50% oil content, CPT plant, excluding VAT)
- $610–620 per ton
The tightening supply situation has intensified competition among processors, especially for large and high-quality batches.
Sunflower Oil Prices and Export Benchmarks
Sunflower oil prices remain relatively strong due to stable international demand:
- $1,270–1,280 per ton — delivery to Ukrainian ports
- $1,390–1,400 per ton CIF Mumbai — shipments to India
However, global market participants expect potential price pressure as new oilseed harvests from South America enter the market.
Export Dynamics
Ukraine’s sunflower oil exports showed a slowdown:
- January exports — around 393 thousand tons
- December exports — about 550 thousand tons
- Total exports for the first five months of the marketing season — approximately 2.5 million tons out of a projected 4.5–5 million tons
The decline in monthly exports indicates cooling demand in certain markets.
Global Market Factors
India reduced imports of sunflower and soybean oil in January due to high prices, increasing purchases of palm oil instead. This shift may limit demand for Ukrainian sunflower oil in the medium term.
Meanwhile, global production trends also influence market expectations:
- Argentina harvested about 1.5 million tons from 24% of the area, with an average yield of 2.28 t/ha and a total production forecast of 6–6.5 million tons.
- In the EU, sunflower processing reached 2.1 million tons during October–December (+7%), while total processing in 2025 fell to 7.4 million tons, the lowest level in nine years. Low crushing margins encouraged some European processors to switch to rapeseed and canola.
Outlook
Short-term support for sunflower prices in Ukraine remains strong due to tight supply and active processing demand. Nevertheless, future price movements will depend on global vegetable oil trends, export demand, and shifts in international trade flows.