Black Sea region to drive growth in global sunflower seed production

According to preliminary estimates by Oil World, global sunflower seed production in the 2026/27 marketing year could rise to 63.3 million tonnes, compared with 57.5 million tonnes in the previous season and an average of 56.2 million tonnes over the past five years. As a result, the market is moving closer to historic highs, driven by expansion in key producing countries.

The main growth drivers are expanding planted areas and an expected yield recovery, particularly in the Black Sea region. Another supporting factor is that farmers in several countries are shifting toward sunflower seeds instead of grains due to better profitability and lower fertilizer requirements.

Global harvested area for sunflower seeds in 2026/27 is projected to increase to 34.5 million hectares, up from 33 million hectares a year earlier. The largest expansions are expected in Russia (+1.7 million ha), Argentina (+0.6 million ha), as well as in the EU, Ukraine, the United States, and Turkey. However, planting campaigns in Russia and Ukraine started with delays, which may shift the timing of the harvest.

Analysts also expect stronger global demand for sunflower oil amid a potential decline in palm oil supply in 2026/27. However, relatively limited carryover stocks may constrain export growth of both oil and meal at the beginning of the season.

Overall, the sunflower market is entering the new season with strong production prospects, but also with potential logistical and timing constraints that could affect supply balance in the first half of the marketing year.

IC UAC according to ukragroconsult