Sunflower seeds market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for sunflower seeds in Germany fluctuated significantly between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 456.8 thousand tons in 2018, it rose to 473.3 thousand tons in 2019 before declining to 424.1 thousand tons in 2020 and further to 389.9 thousand tons in 2021. A sharp recovery followed in 2022, with the market reaching a peak of 483.8 thousand tons, only to drop again to 398.4 thousand tons in 2023.

This volatility occurred alongside a dramatic expansion in domestic production, which more than quadrupled from 35.5 thousand tons to 170.1 thousand tons over the period. Imports of sunflower seeds fell from a high of 449.0 thousand tons in 2019 to 289.5 thousand tons in 2023, while exports more than doubled by 2023, reaching 61.2 thousand tons. For 2024, industry reports point to broader influences such as state funding programs for renewable raw materials, the German Sustainability Strategy 2024, and a consumer shift toward organic products, which collectively shape the environment for sunflower seeds in Germany.

Production sunflower seeds in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

Germany's sunflower seed production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 58 000 tonnes of sunflower seeds, marking a sharp 26.1% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 46.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 13.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 35 500 tonnes. That year also saw the largest decline of 10.4%. In contrast, the most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 29.6%.

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

Exports sunflower seeds from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, sunflower seed exports from Germany have rebounded. In 2020, Germany exported 26.5 thousand tonnes of sunflower seeds, representing a 21.8% increase compared to 2019. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 41.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 21.7 thousand tonnes. The most substantial drop occurred in 2018, with a decline of 47.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and France were consistently the main markets for Germany's sunflower seed exports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 29.8% of exports, Austria for 10.5%, and France for 10.3%. Together, these three countries represented 50.6% of Germany's total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year downturn, sunflower seed exports from Germany have shown an uptick. In 2020, Germany exported sunflower seeds worth 42.1 million US dollars, reflecting a 22.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 6.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 34.3 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 19.6%.

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

An analysis of sunflower seed exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a diverse distribution across multiple markets. The Netherlands, France, and Austria were the top destinations, accounting for 17.7%, 10.6%, and 10.0% of exports, respectively. Combined, these three countries made up 38.2% of total flows, while the remaining 61.8% was spread among various other trading partners.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, sunflower seed imports into Germany have declined. In 2020, imports totaled 392.6 thousand tonnes, which is 12.6% lower than the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 449.0 thousand tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 14.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary, Bulgaria, and France were the primary sources for Germany's sunflower seed imports in volume terms. Hungary contributed 26.6% of imports, Bulgaria 20.7%, and France 12.3%. Together, these three countries accounted for 59.6% of Germany's total import flows during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's sunflower seed imports amounted to 261.2 million US dollars, showing a modest increase of 4.5% compared to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 13.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 1.7%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 10.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Hungary, and France were the leading sources for Germany's sunflower seed imports in value terms. Bulgaria accounted for 26.8% of imports, Hungary for 18.8%, and France for 10.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented 55.8% of Germany's total import flows during this period.

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

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