Exports of Ukrainian sunflower meal to the EU decreased significantly in July

Exports of Ukrainian sunflower meal to the EU decreased significantly in July

Overall dynamics: July set a three-year low

If we focus on the key indicator: in July 2025, Ukrainian sunflower meal exports to the European Union amounted to only 53 thousand tons, which is half the amount in June – a monthly minimum in more than three years was recorded (Agravery, MY.UA). This result signals a sharp drop in sales rates in one of the traditionally leading markets for our agricultural products.

Why was July so weak?

Despite the overall decline in exports, we note several critical factors that weakened the flow of meal to the European market:

• The decline in sunflower processing volumes in the domestic market reduced the opportunities for the production of meal in qualified volumes, which led to a shortage of products for export (Agravery, MY.UA).
• Increasing competition with soybean meal on external markets, especially in the EU, has made sunflower meal less competitive in terms of price and volume (Agravery, MY.UA).

Seasonal summary: trends September–July

In the 2024/25 marketing season (September–July), the amount of sunflower meal exported to the EU amounted to 1.47 million tons, which is 22% less than in the previous season (Agravery, MY.UA). This is the lowest result in the last three seasons, which creates worrying prerequisites for Ukrainian agricultural exports in 2025/26.

Looking beyond the box: other meal markets

The analysis shows that the decline in exports is observed not only in the EU:

• Exports of Ukrainian meal to China decreased by about 25%, and the volume of shipments to this market amounted to about 1.24 million tons (Agravery, AgroNews).
• Overall, in the 2024/25 season, all exports of sunflower meal may fall to approximately 3.5 million tons, which is 25% lower than last season (Agravery, AgroNews).

Such volumes indicate a deep crisis in export supplies, affecting all key sales areas.

Implications for Ukraine’s agri-food complex

The decline in sunflower meal exports seriously affects the agricultural sector:

• Financial burden: lower export revenues limit capital turnover and worsen the economic situation at processing plants and producers.
• Logistical challenges: reduced demand creates excess internal storage, increasing competition for logistics resources.
• Price pressure: export prices may decrease to restore demand, which further reduces producers’ margins.

Recommendations for Export Recovery: Strategic Steps

The following directions are possible for stabilizing and growing exports:

• Diversification of markets — intensifying the search for new directions, reducing dependence on the EU and China.
• Improving product quality — certification, raising standards, developing added value.
• Increasing logistics efficiency — reducing transportation costs, establishing multimodal corridors.
• Improving state support — stimulating processing, compensating for logistics costs, export guarantees.

Key findings

1. In July 2025, exports of sunflower meal to the EU fell to 53 thousand tons, which is half the amount in June and is the lowest in more than three years (Agravery, MY.UA).
2. In the 2024/25 season, the volume of supplies to the EU amounted to 1.47 million tons, which is 22% less than a year ago (Agravery, MY.UA).
3. Exports to China fell by 25%, with shipments totaling 1.24 million tons (Agravery, AgroNews).
4. Total exports of meal may fall to 3.5 million tons, the worst result in three seasons (Agravery, AgroNews).
5. Recovery requires strategic efforts, including market diversification, quality improvement, and support for logistics capabilities.

It is logical that, thanks to a clear strategy and active actions by business and the state, Ukrainian sunflower meal exports will be able to gain volume again and regain their leading positions in global markets.