Sunflower seeds market in Central America, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the sunflower seeds market in Central America expanded, with volume rising from 23 273 t to 27 322 t. This growth was primarily driven by increasing demand for genetically improved and hybrid seeds, which offered higher yields and better adaptation to variable climate conditions. The market's development was supported by a focus on seed treatment and quality enhancements, particularly in key trading regions like Mexico, where comparative advantages in production and trade facilitated significant imports.

The market experienced significant fluctuations between 2021 and 2023. In 2021, volume surged to 37 203 t, as the COVID-19 pandemic heightened consumer interest in healthy and sustainable food products, including sunflower seeds. However, in 2022, volume dropped to 32 058 t due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which disrupted global sunflower seed and oil supplies, leading to price tensions and shortages. By 2023, volume recovered to 37 630 t, supported by continued demand for hybrid seeds and innovations from leading companies, despite adverse weather conditions in major producing regions that constrained worldwide production.

In 2024, imports of sunflower seeds into Central America declined to 31 085 t, reflecting the ongoing global deficit caused by poor weather in the Black Sea region and the protracted war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the market saw the emergence of new product segments, such as roasted sunflower seeds and snacks with innovative packaging, targeting health-conscious younger consumers. Regulatory changes, including phytosanitary requirements for seed imports in Colombia, aimed to ensure quality and safety, while industry consolidation continued with major players introducing new varieties and integrated services.

Production sunflower seeds in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

In 2019, Central America produced 4 913 tonnes of sunflower seeds, marking the lowest output during the 2017-2020 period. Production then rebounded sharply in 2020, reaching 8 331 tonnes—a 69.6% increase from the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 9 751 tonnes. Over the four-year span, overall production declined by 6%, with an average annual decrease of 2.0%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when output fell by 49.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. In 2019, the value of sunflower seed production in Central America hit its lowest point at 4 572 thousand US dollars. By 2020, output value surged to 8 383 thousand US dollars, representing an 83.3% jump from the prior year. Production values peaked in 2017 and bottomed out in 2019, with the highest value being 2.3 times greater than the lowest. The most substantial decline was recorded in 2019, when the value dropped by 56.3%.

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

Exports sunflower seeds from Central America

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility throughout the observed period. In 2018, exports of sunflower seeds from Central America reached their lowest level at 60 tonnes. They then climbed to a peak of 154 tonnes in 2019, marking a 156.8% increase—the largest rise during this timeframe. In 2020, exports settled at 138 tonnes, down 10.6% from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with an 18.2% drop. Overall, export levels fluctuated 2.6 times between the 2018 low and the 2019 high.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Argentina were the primary export partners for Central America's sunflower seeds in volume terms, together accounting for 39.0% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2018, the value of sunflower seed exports from Central America hit its lowest point at 64 thousand US dollars. By 2019, export value peaked at 143 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 122.7% increase—the largest gain during the period. In 2020, exports were valued at 139 thousand US dollars, showing a modest decline of 3.4% from 2019. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 27.5% decrease. Overall, there was a 2.2-fold gap between the 2018 trough and the 2019 peak.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Colombia, and Argentina were the top three markets for Central America's sunflower seed exports in value terms, collectively representing 27.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to Central America

Imports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of growth, sunflower seed imports into Central America declined. In 2019, imports reached their highest level at 22 567 tonnes, marking a 66.2% increase—the largest rise during the period. By 2020, imports fell to 19 128 tonnes, down 15.2% from the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 span, imports grew by 98.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 25.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, the United States, and Bulgaria were the key sources for sunflower seed imports into Central America in volume terms. Argentina accounted for 49.9% of imports, the United States for 28.5%, and Bulgaria for 12.3%, together making up 90.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2018, the value of sunflower seed imports into Central America was at its lowest, totaling 19 444 thousand US dollars. By 2019, import value increased by 13.7%—the largest gain during the period. In 2020, imports amounted to 19 750 thousand US dollars, down 10.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall import value decreased by 14.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 5.1%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 15.8% decrease.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States and Argentina remained the main suppliers of sunflower seeds to Central America in value terms, together holding an 81.6% share of total imports, with other countries accounting for the remainder.

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

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