Sunflower seeds market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The Austrian sunflower seed market in volume terms started at 160.9 thousand tons in 2018, fell to 145.8 thousand tons in 2019, and recovered slightly to 148.0 thousand tons in 2020. In value, it dropped to $91.7 million in 2019 before jumping to $145.5 million in 2020. During this period, the European Union boosted its sunflower seed output by 3% in the 2020/21 season, which improved supply conditions for member states like Austria.

A strong demand push emerged in 2021, lifting market volume to 170.0 thousand tons and value to $193.4 million. This surge was fueled by health and wellness trends, including the use of sunflower seeds for obesity management and aging-related nutrition. The following year, volume retreated to 148.5 thousand tons and value eased to $187.2 million, as domestic production plummeted from 75.2 thousand tons to 57.0 thousand tons.

By 2023, volume stabilized at 149.4 thousand tons while value fell to $156.9 million. Throughout these years, Austrian consumers showed growing preference for organic and sustainable foods, which supported sunflower seeds as a healthy snack option. Stringent food safety and labeling regulations also played a role in shaping the market environment.

Production sunflower seeds in Austria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, Austria ranked as the 30th largest producer of sunflower seeds between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

Austria's sunflower seed production volume declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 56 800 tonnes, marking a 12.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 10.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 64 540 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 18.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Austria's sunflower seed output was valued at 127.2 million US dollars, showing a modest increase of 9.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 6.8%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 116.6 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 144.4 million US dollars. The most significant decline took place in 2019 at 19.3%, whereas the largest increase was observed in 2018 at 21.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports sunflower seeds from Austria

Exports in kind, K t

Austria's sunflower seed export volume declined following two years of growth. In 2020, exports totaled 64.8 thousand tonnes, representing a substantial decrease of 14.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 21.3%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 6.6%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 75.6 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 31.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (50.1% of exports in volume), Czechia (21.3%), and Russia (8.8%) formed the primary group of partners for Austria's sunflower seed exports, collectively accounting for 80.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Austria's sunflower seed exports were valued at 145.3 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate increase of 6.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 17.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 166.8 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 18.2%, while the largest increase was observed in 2018 at 34.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia (39.7% of exports by value), Ukraine (17.9%), and Germany (15.9%) remained the leading destinations for Austria's sunflower seed exports, together representing 73.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to Austria

Imports in kind, K t

Austria's sunflower seed imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 156.0 thousand tonnes, showing minimal change from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 6%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 2.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 170.4 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 7.9%, while the most significant increase took place in 2018 at 15.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary (48.4% of imports in volume), Slovakia (22.7%), and Bulgaria (9.8%) accounted for the largest share of Austria's sunflower seed imports, collectively comprising 80.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Austria imported sunflower seeds valued at 46.6% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 46.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.6%. The most significant decline was recorded in 2019 at 19.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the leading sources for Austria's sunflower seed imports by value were Hungary (22.1%), the United States (17.0%), and Turkey (11.9%), which together accounted for 51.0% of total import flows.

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

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