Sunflower seeds market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the sunflower seeds market in Brazil remained relatively stable at around 144.6 thousand tons and 142.1 thousand tons, respectively. This period was characterized by a developing market structure and the consolidation of local companies, notably Girassol Agrícola, which expanded its production across several states in the Cerrado region and invested in seed processing technology.

The market volume dropped sharply to 86.6 thousand tons in 2020, primarily due to logistical and distribution challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted access to agricultural inputs like seeds. The pandemic's aftereffects continued to influence the sector, contributing to further declines to 76.8 thousand tons in 2021 and 68.1 thousand tons in 2022, even as major firms focused on operational efficiency and technical support for growers.

A recovery emerged in 2023, with the market volume rising to 96.7 thousand tons. This rebound was supported by the ongoing expansion and technological investments of leading market players. Girassol Agrícola, having consolidated its position as a market leader, broadened its commercial presence to 11 states and invested in drying and processing technologies to enhance seed quality, contributing to the market's positive trajectory.

Production sunflower seeds in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil ranked 27th globally in sunflower seed production.

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2018-2021

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2018-2021

Brazil's sunflower seed production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 64.9 thousand tons, marking an 18.5% decrease compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 52.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -21.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports sunflower seeds from Brazil

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed significant volatility during this period. They reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, representing an 18-fold difference. In 2021, Brazil exported 41 tons of sunflower seeds, a sharp decline of 82.3% from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2020 at 232 tons, with the largest year-on-year increase of 528.7% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, France, Paraguay, and Uruguay were the key export partners for Brazil in terms of volume. France accounted for 46.2% of exports, Paraguay for 21.7%, and Uruguay for 18.9%. Together, these three countries represented 86.8% of Brazil's total sunflower seed exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values followed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. They hit their lowest point in 2018 and reached a peak in 2020, with a 17-fold gap between these years. In 2021, Brazil exported sunflower seeds worth 143 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic contraction of 38.1% compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 230 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase of 701.5% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Argentina, France, and Paraguay were the main destinations for Brazil's sunflower seed exports by value. Argentina accounted for 53.8% of export value, France for 17.9%, and Paraguay for 14.8%. Collectively, these three countries absorbed 86.5% of Brazil's total sunflower seed export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021

Imports sunflower seeds to Brazil

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Brazil's sunflower seed import volume stood at 11 946 tons, reflecting a 64.1% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 36.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.0%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 7 278 tons, with the largest year-on-year decline of 20.5% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina dominated Brazil's sunflower seed imports by volume, accounting for 77.0% of total flows. The remaining imports were distributed among a fragmented group of other markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Brazil's sunflower seed import value increased in 2021. Imports stood at 10 054 thousand US dollars, representing a significant gain of 33.0% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import value rose by 25.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 7 560 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year decline of 5.4% occurring in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Argentina and Bulgaria remained the main suppliers of sunflower seeds to Brazil by value, with a combined share of 85.8% of total imports. The remainder was distributed across a fragmented group of other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021