- Prices retreat from peak: Ukrainian sunflower seed values eased from UAH 30,500/t to around UAH 28,800–29,600/t for medium lots as farmer selling increased.
- Large-lot premiums persist: Bulk purchases of 2,000–3,000 tons still achieve UAH 30,200–30,500/t (about $700/t) for 48–49% oil content, with higher prices for premium seed.
- Export demand emerging: Isolated export deals to Bulgaria at $650–670/t show Ukrainian seed is competitively priced in the regional market.
- Balanced market sentiment: Strong crush demand offsets supply pressure from farms, leaving near-term sentiment neutral to slightly bearish.
Market Overview
Ukrainian sunflower seed prices have started to pull back after touching seasonal highs. Before the holidays, values swung sharply, dropping from around UAH 28,500/t to UAH 25,000–26,000/t SRT plant as farmers accelerated sales. Processors cited elevated storage risks and the need to secure raw materials as key reasons behind the volatility and subsequent price adjustment.
Following the holidays, firmer demand for sunflower oil and a peak in the dollar exchange rate helped lift seed prices again. Large holdings are now purchasing 2,000–3,000-ton lots at UAH 30,200–30,500/t (about $700/t) for seed with 48–49% oil content, indicating ongoing competition for quality supplies despite the recent correction.
Domestic Price Structure
Farms are actively offering medium-sized parcels of 300–500 tons at UAH 28,800–29,600/t ($650–660/t) CPT plant, while high-oil-content seed commands prices above UAH 30,000/t. This spread highlights processors’ willingness to pay a visible premium for elevated oil content, even as headline price levels soften from the peak.
| Region / Category | Lot Size | Quality / Oil Content | Price Range (Local) | Price Range (USD/t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ukraine – Medium lots (CPT plant) | 300–500 t | Standard | UAH 28,800–29,600/t | $650–660/t |
| Ukraine – Large lots (SRT plant) | 2,000–3,000 t | 48–49% oil | UAH 30,200–30,500/t | ≈$700/t |
| Ukraine – Peak level (recent high) | — | Standard | UAH 30,500/t | ≈$700+/t |
| Ukraine – High-oil premium seed | — | Above 49% oil | > UAH 30,000/t | — |
| Ukraine – Export to Bulgaria | Isolated deals | Export quality | — | $650–670/t |
| Russia – Central region | — | Standard | 40,000 RUB/t | — |
Export and Regional Context
Isolated export sales from Ukraine to Bulgaria in the $650–670/t range confirm that Ukrainian sunflower seed remains competitively priced in the Black Sea region. This export interest provides a floor under domestic values, even as increased farm selling exerts downward pressure.
In Russia, OleoScope reports sunflower seed prices in Central Russia at 40,000 rubles per ton as of January 15. While direct comparability is limited by currency and logistics, the Russian benchmark helps frame Ukraine’s pricing in a broader regional context.
Market Analysis and Sentiment
The recent correction in Ukrainian sunflower seed prices appears to be a natural response to farmers’ liquidity needs and processors’ risk management around storage and coverage. The prevailing $650–670/t export-linked range positions Ukraine solidly in regional trade, but also signals that the market is searching for equilibrium after the post-holiday rebound.
In the near term, trader focus should remain on the pace of farmer selling: persistent pressure from farm deliveries could cap upside, even with strong crushing margins and robust oil demand. The price premium for high-oil-content seed (above UAH 30,000/t) underscores processors’ emphasis on quality. Overall sentiment is neutral to slightly bearish, with supply-side pressure balancing otherwise supportive fundamentals.
Source: Market Data
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