Sunflower seeds market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the sunflower seeds market volume in Eastern Asia grew from 2.2 million tonnes to nearly 2.5 million tonnes. This expansion was driven by government policies supporting domestic oilseed production, which encouraged the enlargement of planting areas in key regions like Inner Mongolia. Concurrently, rising consumer interest in healthy food products, including sunflower oil for its perceived nutritional benefits, boosted overall demand.

A multi-year contraction followed, with the market volume falling to a low of 1.5 million tonnes by 2022. This decline was primarily caused by successive reductions in sown area and adverse weather conditions that damaged yields in northern production zones. The global geopolitical conflict in 2022 further disrupted sunflower oil trade flows, contributing to market volatility and tighter conditions for the seeds sector.

The market rebounded to 2 million tonnes in 2023. Major industry players helped drive this recovery through intensified seed research and the promotion of improved varieties. Underlying consumer demand for healthy and nutritious food options remained strong, while continued state subsidies for agricultural machinery supported harvesting efficiency.

Production sunflower seeds in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

In Eastern Asia, sunflower seed production reached 2 570 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a modest year-on-year decline of 3.5%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 18.4%, which translates to a compound annual growth rate of -6.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 494 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decline of 20.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 6.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of sunflower seed production in Eastern Asia stood at 3 284 million US dollars in 2020, representing a modest decrease of 4.6% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 4.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 068 million US dollars, which saw the largest annual drop of 10.7%. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 3 444 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 12.2%.

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

Exports sunflower seeds from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Sunflower seed exports from Eastern Asia grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 509.8 thousand tonnes, a 5.4% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 18.5%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Egypt, and Iran were the primary markets for sunflower seed exports from Eastern Asia in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 21.5% of exports, Egypt for 16.9%, and Iran for 13.4%. Together, these three countries represented 51.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Eastern Asia's sunflower seed export value increased for the third year in a row in 2020, totaling 651.5 million US dollars, up 4.1% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 38.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%.

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

In value terms, sunflower seed exports from Eastern Asia were relatively dispersed from 2017 to 2020. Turkey accounted for 19.3% of export value, Egypt for 16.3%, and Iran for 12.4%. Combined, these three markets made up 48.0% of total flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.4 times. In 2020, sunflower seed imports into Eastern Asia amounted to 185.7 thousand tonnes, reflecting a dramatic year-on-year decline of 39.7%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 308.1 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 113.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan was the dominant source for sunflower seed imports into Eastern Asia in volume terms, accounting for 81.8% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest import value was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 2.1 times. In 2020, sunflower seed import value in Eastern Asia came to 92.9 million US dollars, marking a strong decline of 24.1% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 122.5 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 111.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, and Russia were the main sources for sunflower seed imports into Eastern Asia in value terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 62.4% of import value, Bulgaria for 12.7%, and Russia for 8.5%. Together, these three countries absorbed 83.6% of total import flows.

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

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