Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Americas

Earlier Report Observations

Production of sunflower or safflower oil in the Americas increased from 1.8 million tons in 2018 to 1.8 million tons in 2019, then contracted to 1.5 million tons in 2020. The market size mirrored this movement, declining to 1.3 million tons in 2020 after initial stability.

A recovery began in 2021 as production climbed to 1.7 million tons, buoyed by an 18% increase in U.S. export prices that made output more attractive. Growth continued into 2022, with production reaching 2.0 million tons, supported by the emergence of new non-GMO and chemical-free product segments driven by health-conscious consumers. The launch of personal care products containing sunflower oil, such as the Keys Soulcare brand in April 2022, further diversified demand sources.

Production advanced to 2.1 million tons in 2023 while the market size expanded to 1.6 million tons, amid increased competition from alternative cooking oils. By 2024, U.S. domestic production rose by 7.2% due to growing domestic demand and capacity expansion. Imports surged by 16%, but exports fell sharply by 33.7%, influenced by global supply chain dynamics and competition between major suppliers like Russia and Ukraine. Regulatory changes promoting the use of sunflower oil in biodiesel production also shaped market conditions.

Production sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Americas

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of growth, sunflower and safflower oil production in the Americas declined. In 2020, production reached 1 498 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 18.4% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 12.6%, with an average annual decline of 4.4%. The peak production occurred in 2019 at 1 837 thousand tonnes, while the strongest growth was recorded in 2018 at 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Americas in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Americas

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of expansion, sunflower and safflower oil exports from the Americas contracted. In 2020, exports totaled 458.4 thousand tonnes, representing a 23.0% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 6.2%, with an average annual reduction of 2.1%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 595.6 thousand tonnes, while the most substantial growth occurred in 2018 at 13.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Americas in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, sunflower and safflower oil from the Americas was exported to numerous markets worldwide. Even the top three destinations—India, South Africa, and Australia—collectively accounted for just 28.1% of total export volume during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Americas in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Sunflower and safflower oil exports from the Americas declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 431.0 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial 14.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value dropped by 33.5%, with an average annual decline of 12.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Americas in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, sunflower and safflower oil exports from the Americas were distributed across many different markets. The three largest destinations—India, Australia, and South Africa—together represented only 25.5% of total export value during this timeframe.

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

World map of product's exports from Americas in value, 2017-2020

Imports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Americas

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, the Americas imported 227.8 thousand tonnes of sunflower and safflower oil, representing a 13.2% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 21.4%, with an average annual increase of 6.7%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 4.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Americas in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During 2017-2020, Ukraine (5.4% of import volume), Turkey (2.0%), and Spain (2.0%) formed the primary cluster of suppliers to the Americas, though together they accounted for just 9.3% of total import volume.

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

World map of product's imports to Americas in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, sunflower and safflower oil imports to the Americas reached 405.4 million US dollars, up 10.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 7%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 365.5 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred that same year at 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Americas in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, sunflower and safflower oil imports to the Americas were characterized by broad market diversification. Ukraine (5.3% of import value), Spain (2.5%), and Turkey (2.2%) together accounted for only 10.0% of total import value during this period.

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

World map of product's imports to Americas in value, 2017-2020