📈 Sunflower Prices in Ukraine Are Rising: Key Market Drivers in 2026

📈 Sunflower Prices in Ukraine Are Rising: Key Market Drivers in 2026

📊 Sunflower Purchase Prices Increase at Processing Plants

In January 2026, the Ukrainian sunflower market has seen a noticeable increase in purchase prices. At several processing plants, prices for sunflower seeds rose by around UAH 1,000 per ton compared to previous weeks. In particular, some Kernel oil extraction plants offered UAH 26.4–27.1 thousand per ton, while in certain regions prices reached UAH 28,000 per ton and higher.

This price growth is driven by strong demand from processors combined with a limited supply of high-quality raw materials.

🔌 Operating Costs and Logistics Restrain Further Growth

Analysts note that further price increases are constrained by rising operational costs at processing plants. Frequent power outages force factories to rely on generators, significantly increasing production costs. In addition, domestic logistics and transportation expenses have also risen, limiting processors’ ability to raise purchase prices further.

🌾 Market Drivers: Demand and Harvest Conditions

Despite the ongoing sunflower harvest, prices remain high due to strong processing demand and export pressure. In the previous season, sunflower seed prices in Ukraine reached record levels amid reduced supply and active formation of export batches.

Experts also point to quality issues: excessive moisture in some regions has affected part of the harvest, making it unsuitable for processing and further tightening the supply of high-quality sunflower seeds.

📈 Sunflower Oil Prices and Global Market Pressure

One of the key factors supporting sunflower seed prices is the situation in the sunflower oil market. In 2025, sunflower oil prices increased significantly due to limited global supply and expectations of a smaller harvest, encouraging processors to raise purchase prices for raw materials.

In some periods, domestic sunflower oil prices in Ukraine exceeded global levels, which also supported strong demand for sunflower seeds.

📌 Outlook and Market Expectations

While some analysts previously expected price stabilization or even a decline due to increased supply, current market conditions suggest that prices may remain elevated. This is mainly due to:

• delays in harvesting caused by adverse weather conditions;
• limited availability of high-quality sunflower seeds;
• strong export demand and competition in international markets.

According to market estimates, prices may stay at relatively high levels until processors secure sufficient raw material stocks for stable operations.

📌 Conclusion

In January 2026, the Ukrainian sunflower market remains in a phase of rising prices, driven by both domestic cost pressures and global vegetable oil market trends. Farmers benefit from favorable pricing, while processors continue to face challenges related to logistics, energy costs, and raw material quality, adding uncertainty to the short-term outlook.

📊 Current Sunflower Seed Prices by Region (Ukraine)

Indicative purchase prices as of early 2026; actual prices may vary depending on quality, delivery terms, and specific buyers.

Pricing terms:

• CPT – delivered to plant or terminal
• EXW / SRT – ex-warehouse or self-pickup
  Final prices depend on oil content, moisture level, batch size, and transportation conditions.