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Sunflower Seed Prices Rose by Up to +$5/t Over the Week

Over the past week, purchasing prices for sunflower seeds in Ukraine have increased — the spot index for delivery within 30 days rose by $3/t (including VAT), reaching around $677/t (including VAT) for 8/3/48 quality, CPT Odesa.

According to analysts from Spike Brokers, the final gross harvest of sunflower seeds is expected to reach approximately 10.5 million tons. However, the situation remains quite mixed: despite what seems to be a solid production volume, the highly developed processing industry is already facing a certain raw material deficit.

Meanwhile, sunflower oil prices continue to strengthen, with the spot premium — driven by limited supply — already extending to November deliveries. In particular, prices for October–November delivery toward the ports have risen to $1,255–1,260/t.

Sunflower Market Overview and Farmer Strategies

Harvest Progress Nears Completion

Farmers across Ukraine have already harvested more than half of the sunflower fields — around 3 million hectares, producing over 5.5 million tons of seeds. This is significantly less than last year’s figure at the same time (over 8 million tons).
The decline is mainly due to delayed sowing, local droughts, and reduced yields in certain regions. However, most processing plants are currently well-supplied with raw materials — enough to operate at least until the end of October.

Weekly sunflower trend

Weekly trend for the period from August 28 to September 3

During the period from August 28 to September 3, there was a further decrease in prices on the oil seed market, in particular for sunflower. Precipitation in the central and southern regions is expected to reduce the impact of the heat on crops, so there will potentially be favorable conditions for harvesting soybeans and sunflowers. As of September 3, the average price of traders was UAH 12,704.81/t, which is 4.39% less than last week.

Sunflower shortage intensifies competition: oil refineries will be forced to raise purchase prices

Competition Due to Raw Material Shortage

This year’s weather conditions in southern and eastern Ukraine, as well as in some central regions, are seriously complicating sunflower cultivation. Drought and excessive heat are limiting production potential, reducing yields, and sometimes even leading to a reduction in sown areas. As a result, refineries, especially those operating in regions with unfavorable conditions, may face raw material shortages.

Seasonal decline: why are sunflower oil prices falling?

Introduction: the beginning of a price correction

Over the past week, Russian sunflower oil bid prices for August-September delivery have fallen by $5-10/t to $1,130-1,135/t FOB. This was in response to favorable harvest forecasts and the traditional seasonal price decline.

Sudden Shifts: How Oil Extraction Plants Boost Rapeseed Processing Amid Modest Sunflower Yields

Low Yields Push Plants Toward Rapeseed and Soy

In Ukraine’s southern and central regions, particularly Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk, early harvest figures reveal abnormally low sunflower output — merely 1.8 thousand tons from 3.2 thousand hectares, equating to about 0.56 t/ha (agroportal.ua).

From supermarket shelves to global exchanges: analysis of sunflower oil prices

Prices in Ukraine (Domestic Market)

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

Overall dynamics: July set a three-year low