Sunflower seeds market in Canada, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the sunflower seeds market in Canada increased from 57.5 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 83.7 thousand tonnes in 2020. This surge was primarily fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, which boosted birdwatching popularity and consequently the demand for sunflower seeds used in bird feed mixes. Higher prices and expanded acreage, especially in Manitoba, followed, alongside new export opportunities to developing markets like India and China.

In 2021, market volume contracted to 62.3 thousand tonnes as drought in the Prairies hampered production and increased price volatility. Recovery came in 2022, with volume reaching 90.5 thousand tonnes after regulatory amendments exempted non-ornamental sunflower seeds from reporting requirements under the Canada Grain Regulations, reducing administrative burden. The Quebec grain producers' focus on niche markets also supported growth. By 2023, the market expanded further to 94.7 thousand tonnes, supported by a 20-25% annual growth in local Quebec sunflower oil sales and research initiatives involving major players like Corteva and Bunge to commercialize high-value sunflower protein ingredients.

Production sunflower seeds in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Canada was among the world's leading producers of sunflower seeds from 2017 to 2020, ranking 28th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

Sunflower seed production in Canada increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Canada produced 101.3 K t of sunflower seeds, marking a sharp increase of 61.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 75.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.7%. The lowest production was recorded in 2018 at 57.3 K t, which saw a slight decline of 0.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Canada's sunflower seed production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 70 617 K $ US, representing a steep rise of 52.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 82.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 22.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 38 280 K $ US, which experienced a small decline of 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Canada in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports sunflower seeds from Canada

Exports in kind, t

Canada's volume of sunflower seed exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 46 422 t, showing a rise of 59.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 192.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada's export partner base for sunflower seeds in kind was extremely narrow, with the United States alone accounting for 92.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Sunflower seed exports from Canada increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 32 361 K $ US, showing a sharp improvement of 51.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 203.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the almost exclusive buyer of sunflower seeds from Canada, taking 92.6% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to Canada

Imports in kind, t

Imported sunflower seed volumes in Canada increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume was recorded at 28 842 t, marking a solid gain of 14.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports skyrocketed by 10 168.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 368.3%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United States and Bulgaria were the dominant suppliers of sunflower seeds to Canada in kind, together accounting for 85.0% of total imports, with other destinations each holding relatively small shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Canada's sunflower seed imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports came to 40 036 K $ US, marking a rise of 28.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 41%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 28 354 K $ US, which saw a minor decline of 0.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States (62.5% of imports in value terms), China (17.1%), and Bulgaria (16.3%) formed the core of Canada's sunflower seed imports, together accounting for 95.9% of total import flows.

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

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