Safflower seeds market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. safflower seed market reached a record volume of 107 thousand tons in 2018, driven by favorable agronomic conditions and farmer preference for conventional varieties that offered stable yields. Production then contracted over the next two years, falling to 69 thousand tons by 2020, as global supply-chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic affected availability and logistics.

After a further dip in 2021, the market recovered to 84 thousand tons in 2022 with the stabilization of supply chains and the adoption of improved processing technologies. However, volume declined again to 68 thousand tons in 2023 amid persistent supply-chain challenges and growing demand for safflower derivatives in cosmetics and functional foods.

In 2024, a notable development was the offtake agreement signed by Moolec with a global partner for the supply of its GLASO™ safflower oil for dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics, and animal nutrition in the U.S. This period also saw an 8.6% rise in average crop yield and lower import and export prices influenced by improved global harvest prospects.

Production safflower seeds in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked as the world's second-largest producer of safflower seeds.

Top producers of safflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of safflower seeds, 2017-2020

Safflower seeds production in the United States declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 69.0 K t of safflower seeds, marking a 21.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 13.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.7%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 107.2 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 34.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of safflower seeds production in the United States dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 57 207 K $ US, reflecting a significant decline of 20.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 13.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.9%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 91 309 K $ US, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 37.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports safflower seeds from the United States

Exports in kind, t

U.S. exports of safflower seeds grew for the third straight year. In 2020, exports reached 2 504 t, a sharp increase of 87.3% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 176.5%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 40.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada was the leading market for U.S. safflower seeds exports in volume, accounting for 78.0% of total shipments, while other countries made up the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

U.S. safflower seeds exports in value terms expanded for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 2 076 K $ US, up 87.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 175.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 40.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada dominated U.S. safflower seeds exports in value, holding a 77.4% share of total flows, with other partners contributing relatively smaller portions.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports safflower seeds to the United States

Imports in kind, t

U.S. imports of safflower seeds rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 045 t, a substantial gain of 137.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import volume surged by 490.6%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 80.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017-2020, Canada and Poland together accounted for 84.4% of U.S. safflower seeds imports in volume, with the rest distributed among other countries in smaller amounts.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of safflower seeds imports into the United States increased for the third year running. In 2020, imports were valued at 820 K $ US, a 35.1% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 440.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 75.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada consistently represented 73.9% of U.S. safflower seeds imports in value, highlighting a strong reliance on this market, while other countries shared the remaining portion.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020