Sunflower seeds market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for sunflower seeds in ASEAN declined from 320 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 269 thousand tonnes in 2021. This downward trend reversed in 2022, with the market expanding to 298 thousand tonnes. The recovery was primarily driven by global supply chain disruptions following the Ukraine-Russia war, which increased demand for sunflower seeds in the region. In response, governments like Indonesia encouraged local growers to boost cultivation to reduce import reliance, supporting domestic production and imports.

Market volume eased to 285 thousand tonnes in 2023 as imports fell, while production remained stable. During this period, strategic industry developments aimed at enhancing future supply emerged, such as Corteva Agriscience's partnership with Evogene to develop innovative sunflower traits for improved resilience. Concurrently, rising global health consciousness and the expansion of plant-based, ready-to-eat snacks containing sunflower seeds continued to influence consumer preferences and import trends in ASEAN, with imports projected to reach 57 thousand tonnes in 2024.

Production sunflower seeds in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

ASEAN's sunflower seed production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 235.4 thousand tons of sunflower seeds, representing a 6.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 14%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.9%.

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

Exports sunflower seeds from ASEAN

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 13.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ASEAN exported 1 148 tons of sunflower seeds, marking a dramatic 87.2% decline from 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 8 960 tons, while the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 at 733.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, the United Kingdom, and Belgium were the top contributors to ASEAN's sunflower seed exports by volume. India accounted for 51.6% of exports, followed by the United Kingdom at 10.5% and Belgium at 9.3%. Together, these three countries represented 71.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest export value was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, with a 4.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ASEAN's cross-border shipments of sunflower seeds amounted to 2 065 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 65.4% decrease compared to the previous year. The peak value was 5 967 thousand US dollars in 2019, and the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 at 241.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, the United Kingdom, and Belgium remained the primary destinations for ASEAN's sunflower seed exports by value. India accounted for 50.2% of export value, the United Kingdom for 8.2%, and Belgium for 7.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 65.6% of total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to ASEAN

Imports in kind, t

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.3-fold gap between these years. In 2020, ASEAN's sunflower seed imports totaled 47 808 tons, showing a substantial 19.7% increase compared to the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 66 831 tons. The largest year-over-year decline occurred in 2019 at 40.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 128.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated ASEAN's sunflower seed imports by volume, accounting for 72.4% of total flows. Other markets had comparatively modest shares during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

ASEAN's sunflower seed imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 55 536 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong 20.9% advance relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 83.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China accounted for 86.9% of the total value of sunflower seed imports to ASEAN. The remaining flows were distributed among multiple smaller partners.

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

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