- Export Growth: Kazakhstan’s sunflower meal exports to the EU jumped 23% year-on-year to 42.6 thousand tons in July–December 2025.
- Key Buyers: Germany and Sweden led demand with 9.7 and 9.3 thousand tons respectively, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s role in Northern Europe.
- Market Position: Kazakhstan remains the EU’s third-largest sunflower meal supplier, far behind Argentina (544.6 thousand tons) and Ukraine (318 thousand tons).
- Market Impact: The shift is neutral to slightly bullish for Black Sea crushing margins, confirming solid EU demand and Ukraine’s continued export capability.
Kazakhstan Expands EU Sunflower Meal Market Share
Kazakhstan increased its sunflower meal exports to the European Union to 42.6 thousand tons in the first half of the 2025/26 marketing year (July–December), up 23% from 34.4 thousand tons a year earlier. According to European Commission data, the country retained its third-place ranking among EU sunflower meal suppliers while boosting shipments by roughly 8.2 thousand tons versus the same period in 2024/25.
Destination Breakdown: Northern and Baltic Europe in Focus
Kazakhstan’s exports were concentrated in Northern and Central Europe. Germany emerged as the largest buyer, importing 9.7 thousand tons, closely followed by Sweden with 9.3 thousand tons. Denmark also showed solid interest with 8 thousand tons. In the Baltic region, Latvia took 6.7 thousand tons, Estonia 5.55 thousand tons, and Lithuania 3.45 thousand tons, underscoring growing reliance on Kazakh sunflower meal across these markets.
| Exporter / Destination | Period | Volume (thousand tons) |
|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan – Total exports to EU | Jul–Dec 2025/26 | 42.6 |
| Kazakhstan – Total exports to EU | Jul–Dec 2024/25 | 34.4 |
| Germany – Imports from Kazakhstan | Jul–Dec 2025/26 | 9.7 |
| Sweden – Imports from Kazakhstan | Jul–Dec 2025/26 | 9.3 |
| Denmark – Imports from Kazakhstan | Jul–Dec 2025/26 | 8.0 |
| Latvia – Imports from Kazakhstan | Jul–Dec 2025/26 | 6.7 |
| Estonia – Imports from Kazakhstan | Jul–Dec 2025/26 | 5.55 |
| Lithuania – Imports from Kazakhstan | Jul–Dec 2025/26 | 3.45 |
| Argentina – Exports to EU | Jul–Dec 2025/26 | 544.6 |
| Ukraine – Exports to EU | Jul–Dec 2025/26 | 318.0 |
Competitive Landscape in EU Sunflower Meal Supply
Despite its 23% export surge, Kazakhstan’s presence in the EU sunflower meal market remains modest relative to leading suppliers. Argentina dominates with 544.6 thousand tons shipped to the EU in the first half of the 2025/26 season, while Ukraine holds second place at 318 thousand tons. Ukraine’s sizable volumes, delivered despite ongoing wartime disruptions, continue to underpin price stability and ensure robust availability in the EU protein feed segment.
Market Implications for Black Sea Sunflower Complex
The expansion of Kazakh sunflower meal exports is a sign of strengthening competitiveness and deepening trade links with Northern Europe, where buyers are actively diversifying supply sources. The pattern of demand from Germany, Sweden, and the Baltic states suggests reliable logistics and growing comfort with Kazakh-origin meal. For Black Sea traders, the development is neutral to slightly bullish for regional sunflower seed crushing margins, as it confirms sustained international demand for meal byproducts and underscores Ukraine’s continued ability to deliver large volumes into the EU market.
Source: Market Data
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