In 2022/23, Ukraine remained among the top producers of sunflower seeds in the world. But there was a significant redistribution of its use within the country.
The share of sunflower seeds exports from the total supply increased to 14% in Ukraine. This is the maximum for many years. Accordingly, the share of recycling was about 83%, which was one of the lowest indicators since 2009/10.
Experts explain that during the season there was a record and uncontrolled export of sunflower seeds from Ukraine. It occurred against the background of a drop in oil processing and sunflower oil export due to limited port operations. The main volume of exports (79%) was to the EU countries, namely Romania and Bulgaria. These countries managed to significantly increase their own enterprises at the expense of Ukrainian raw materials and were able to increase the export of sunflower oil.
The introduction of unilateral bans on the import of sunflower seeds to the EU countries led to significant export decrease. Rather significant volumes of sunflower seeds were redirected to the domestic market. However, it is expected that sunflower exports from Ukraine will still amount to 2 million tons. This is a historical maximum for the industry.
According to experts’ assessment, as of now sunflower residues amounted to about 1.6 million tons. This is one of the lowest indicators for a long period of time. Thus, even with minimal export volumes, they will not be able to ensure the full operation of processing enterprises in June-August
In 2023, the potential of sunflower production may increase due to the expansion of the sown area to 5.5 million hectares. But the total offer of oilseeds will decrease by 10% due to the reduction of transitional stocks and yield potential.
To sum up, if sunflower exports will demonstrate rates close to the previous season, and exports from deep-sea ports will remain unstable, further reduction of processing volumes is expected in the country.