- Ukrainian sunflower seed prices declined to UAH 28,800–29,200/t CPT amid aggressive farmer selling and stock accumulation at crushers.
- Premium-quality seeds with higher oil content still attracted up to UAH 30,000–30,500/t CPT, highlighting selective processor demand.
- Weak January crushing due to infrastructure attacks and power shortages curtailed sunflower oil and meal exports, reinforcing a bearish tone.
- Ongoing logistical and energy disruptions limit processors’ ability to absorb supply, keeping downward pressure on bids.
Ukrainian Sunflower Seed Market Update
Ukrainian sunflower seed prices moved lower last week as processors reported strong inflows of raw material from farmers. Active deliveries allowed crushing plants to accumulate comfortable stock levels, which in turn pressured bid prices into the UAH 28,800–29,200/t CPT range across much of the market.
The weakness in the domestic seed market mirrored a broader correction in sunflower oil export values, driven by softer international demand. As export quotations eased, this downside filtered back to the farmgate and plant-level bids. Despite the general decline, some processors remained prepared to pay premiums for large parcels and seeds with elevated oil content.
| Product | Quality / Terms | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflower seeds | Standard, CPT plant | UAH 28,800–29,200/t | Base market range amid strong farm deliveries |
| Sunflower seeds | High oil content, CPT plant | UAH 30,000–30,500/t | Premiums for quality and larger volumes |
Processing and Export Dynamics
January sunflower seed processing remained subdued as persistent missile and drone strikes on port infrastructure, combined with intermittent power supply issues, restricted crushing activity. With plants operating below potential, production and export volumes of both sunflower oil and meal were reduced, limiting the sector’s capacity to underpin seed prices through stronger demand.
Under these conditions, processors are balancing ample raw seed inventories against uncertain operating schedules, making them cautious on new purchases and reinforcing the downside bias in bids.
Market Outlook
The overall sentiment in the Ukrainian sunflower seed market is bearish. Heavy farmer selling, comfortable stocks at crushing plants, and weak export demand for sunflower oil collectively apply downward pressure on prices. Market participants should watch the pace of ongoing farm deliveries and any shifts in export demand, as well as the impact of further infrastructure and energy disruptions on processors’ ability to maintain or increase crushing rates.
Source: Market Data
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