In March, sunflower processing in Ukraine significantly increased, amounting to about 1.49 million tons (+10% compared to March 2023).
According to APK-Inform information agency, in just 7 months of the season 2023/24, almost 9.3 million tons of this oilseed were processed in Ukraine. This is 11% higher than in the same period of the previous season. This also became the maximum volume for the specified period over the last 3 seasons, approaching the pre-war period (9.6-10.5 million tons for September-March).
The high rate of processing is primarily due to the increase in sunflower oil exports in the current season. It became possible due to relatively stable operation of the ports of Odessa and Danube. At the same time, taking into account the lower sunflower harvest in 2023, reserves of this oilseed at the beginning of April, amounted to about 4.5-5 million tons. This is the minimum figure for the last three seasons.
Thus, in total for the 2023/24 season, sunflower processing could amount to about 13.3-13.8 million tons. This is at least 4% lower than the previous season and will to some extent depend on the situation on the export market of this crop.
Also, the gradual establishment of sunflower exports to the EU and a reduced import duty on oilseeds in Türkiye may help increase the volume of shipments of this crop to foreign markets. However, a more attractive price level on the domestic market will for now restrain this trend.
In general, sunflower seeds export volumes remain significantly lower compared to last year. A more rapid increase in the export of oilseeds is hampered by the complex regime for obtaining licenses for the import in Bulgaria.
Source:ApkInform