- Export surge: Argentina shipped 63,000 tonnes of sunflower seed in December 2025, with most volumes headed to Black Sea destinations.
- Rising quarterly flows: Exports are projected at 400,000 tonnes in Q1 2026 and 290,000 tonnes in Q2 2026, maintaining strong shipment momentum.
- Competitive pressure: Total MY 2025/26 exports are forecast at 860,000 tonnes, a neutral to slightly bearish factor for Black Sea sunflower seed premiums.
Argentina Sunflower Seed Export Momentum
Argentina’s sunflower seed export activity accelerated in December 2025, reaching 63,000 tonnes according to Oil World data. The Black Sea region absorbed the bulk of these shipments, with smaller volumes flowing to South Africa and the European Union.
Export momentum is expected to strengthen further in early 2026. Analysts project Argentina will ship 400,000 tonnes of sunflower seeds during January–March 2026, followed by 290,000 tonnes in the April–June period. For the full marketing year 2025/26, total Argentine sunflower seed exports are forecast at 860,000 tonnes.
The Black Sea region will remain the primary destination for Argentine sunflower seed, supplemented by flows to Portugal, Spain and South Africa. Shipments have maintained strong activity at the start of 2026, extending the upward trend established in December.
Export Forecasts by Period
| Period | Destination Focus | Export Volume (tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| December 2025 | Primarily Black Sea, plus South Africa & EU | 63,000 |
| Q1 2026 (Jan–Mar) | Black Sea, Portugal, Spain, South Africa | 400,000 (forecast) |
| Q2 2026 (Apr–Jun) | Black Sea, Portugal, Spain, South Africa | 290,000 (forecast) |
| MY 2025/26 Total | Global, led by Black Sea region | 860,000 (forecast) |
Market Impact and Price Sentiment
Neutral to slightly bearish for Black Sea sunflower seeds: The influx of Argentine supply into the Black Sea region increases competition for local sunflower seed exports and may pressure export premiums. However, robust import demand, strong crushing capacity and healthy processing margins in Black Sea countries help underpin overall market activity, partially offsetting the bearish impact of larger available volumes.
Source: Market Data
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