The Ukrainian sunflower market is in a growth phase. Despite difficult weather conditions that are slowing down harvesting, demand for sunflower seeds remains high.

This statement was reported by the analytical department of the First Ukrainian Agricultural Cooperative (FUAC), created within the Ukrainian Agri Council.

"Sunflower harvesting is progressing slowly. Over the past week, the harvest has increased by less than 1 million tons, and the total volume is about 6.3 million tons — only half of the planned 11.5–12 million tons. Due to excess moisture, the quality of seeds is deteriorating and the share of conditioned products is decreasing. This stimulates price growth in the market," the analysts noted.

Currently, the average price for sunflower seeds with an oil content of 48% is in the range of UAH27,100–27,50 per ton, and by the end of October, it may rise to UAH27,500–28,000 per ton.

“Supply is weak because most producers who planned to sell have already sold their volumes, so factories are forced to actively purchase raw materials in advance. Competition for high-quality sunflower seeds will only increase,” the experts explain.

According to the FUAC estimates, demand for sunflower seeds will remain high at least until early November, and the price range for the second half of autumn is prediction to be within the range of UAH29,000–30,500 per ton.

At the same time, the sunflower oil market is showing similar trends.

"As of October 20, oil exports reached 146,000 tons, confirming the active sales dynamics. Over the past week, quotations have risen by UDS35–50 per ton, both on the European and domestic markets. The growth is supported by a shortage of raw materials in the EU and active domestic demand in Ukraine, which strengthens the position of Ukrainian exporters," the FUAC summarized.