This week’s episode provides an in-depth look at current developments in the global sunflower market.

• In Russia’s Stavropol region, sunflower harvesting has commenced across 12 districts, covering 28,600 hectares and yielding an estimated 46,900 tons of seeds. The average yield is 16.4 centners per hectare. Notably, the share of domestic sunflower hybrids has surged from 16% to 50% of planted areas, thanks to contributions from institutions like the All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops, Agroplasma, and Shilkovo Agrokiem. High-level government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Petrushev, are closely monitoring the season's progress.
• Domestic demand for sunflower seeds remains strong, with August shipments fully booked and new supplies expected in September. Prices are stable at approximately €10.60 per metric ton. Meanwhile, Russia has raised its export duties on sunflower oil to 5.746 rubles per ton and sunflower meal to 1.119 rubles per ton for September, up from August levels.
• In Bulgaria, market uncertainty has led farmers to hold back on selling their sunflower crops, contributing to price stability and indicating that a steep price decline is unlikely. Turkey, in a move to boost its global competitiveness, is reducing import duties on sunflower oil and seeds effective October 2025. This policy change is expected to increase imports from Russia and Ukraine, stabilize domestic prices, and strengthen Turkey’s position as a regional exporter.
• Southern Ukraine continues to rely heavily on sunflowers as its dominant spring crop, especially under drought conditions affecting other varieties. Farmers are increasingly adopting zero and minimal tillage practices, and there is growing interest in transitioning from spring to winter crops. Despite challenges, sunflower harvest forecasts remain steady due to these adaptive strategies.
• Globally, sunflower seed production for 2025 is now projected at 59 million metric tons, slightly below earlier estimates due to unfavorable weather in major producing regions including Southern Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. These adjustments reflect broader shifts in the agricultural sector driven by climate pressures and evolving trade policies.