Sunflower Kernel Market Report – Prices Stable, Regional Differences Widen

Sunflower Kernel Market Report – Prices Stable, Regional Differences Widen

The market for sunflower kernels remains broadly balanced. While South African SAFEX prices edged up slightly, Eastern European supply stays ample, putting pressure on processed kernel prices across the EU.

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📊 SAFEX Sunflower Seed Futures (South Africa)

Contract	Closing Price (ZAR/t)	Change	Change (%)
Jun 25	9,100	+15	+0.16%
Jul 25	9,235	+21	+0.23%
Sep 25	9,435	+25	+0.26%
Dec 25	9,628	+4	+0.04%

📌 Exchange rate used: 1 EUR = 20.00 ZAR → Approx. 457–481 EUR/t

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🇺🇦🇧🇬 Eastern European Market (FCA prices, processed kernels)

Region	Price (EUR/kg)	Comment
Ukraine (FCA)	1.05	Wide availability
Bulgaria (FCA)	1.09	Stable demand, limited activity
Moldova	1.06	Offers with customs clearance may apply

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📦 Market Conditions & Sentiment

• 🏭 Processing capacity remains sufficient in Bulgaria and Romania.
• 📉 Demand from Western European importers is stable but not aggressive, given ample stocks.
• 🔄 Traders report little movement in Q2 forward contracts.
• 📦 Some oversupply expected from Moldova due to weak domestic consumption.

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📈 Technical & Strategic Outlook

• 🌾 Weather conditions in major growing areas (Ukraine, Hungary) remain favourable, boosting crop expectations.
• ⚖️ Prices are well-supported, but unlikely to rise sharply unless Western demand improves.
• 🇪🇺 Importers are cautious with forward bookings amid freight cost volatility.

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🔮 3-Day Price Forecast (Processed Kernels, FCA)

Date	EUR/kg Range
May 27	1.04 – 1.09
May 28	1.03 – 1.08
May 29	1.03 – 1.07

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🧭 Summary & Recommendations

📌 Market remains oversupplied, especially for raw kernels.
🚢 Logistics remain smooth — no major shipping issues reported.
💡 Buyers can secure Q3 contracts below 1.08 EUR/kg.
📉 Sellers should stay flexible on volume and transport terms to avoid build-up.