Sunflower seeds market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The sunflower seeds market in Greece saw a substantial increase in volume to 349 thousand tons in 2019, following a boost in sunflower cultivation that raised domestic production. This expansion was supported by agricultural policies encouraging oilseed crops.

Market volume dropped to 237 thousand tons in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic affected economic activity and supply chains. In the following years, the market stabilized around 230-236 thousand tons, with new EU agricultural regulations and the national carbon budget law of 2022 introducing broader compliance requirements for the farming sector.

By 2023, the market contracted to 188 thousand tons, coinciding with high olive oil prices that altered consumer oil preferences and may have impacted demand for sunflower seeds. Updated EU trade standards for olive oil implemented from late 2022 also contributed to a changing regulatory landscape for oilseed markets.

Production sunflower seeds in Greece

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Greece maintained the 19th position globally in sunflower seed production volume.

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, Greece's sunflower seed production volume declined. In 2020, Greece produced 244.7 K t of sunflower seeds, marking a significant year-over-year drop of 18.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 20.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%. The highest production was recorded in 2019 at 299.0 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 29.4%.

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

Exports sunflower seeds from Greece

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports fell dramatically from their peak in 2017 to their lowest point in 2019, with a 29-fold decrease. In 2020, Greece exported 22 303 t of sunflower seeds, reflecting a sharp rise of 1,849.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 144 t, which also experienced the largest decline of 94.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria and Italy dominated Greece's export partner structure for sunflower seeds in kind, while other countries collectively accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values fluctuated significantly, with an 11.6-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Greece's exported sunflower seeds reached 12 781 K $ US, marking an increase of 880.4% relative to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 304 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 88.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria and Italy were the dominant buyers of sunflower seeds from Greece, together accounting for 90.3% of total exports in value terms, with other destinations each representing relatively small shares.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to Greece

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports varied by 3.5-fold, with the maximum in 2019 and the minimum in 2020. In 2020, Greece's sunflower seed imports from abroad were recorded at 14 615 t, reflecting a reduction of 71.6% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 51 532 t, which also experienced the largest increase of 68.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Bulgaria (50.3% of imports in kind), Moldova (23.0% of imports in kind), and Russia (13.6% of imports in kind) were the key partners for Greece's sunflower seed imports in kind, together accounting for 86.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Greece's sunflower seed import volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 16 036 K $ US, constituting a decline of 33.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 6.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 24 236 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 35.4%.

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

In 2017–2020, Bulgaria (32.3% of imports in value terms), Moldova (14.2% of imports in value terms), and China (12.5% of imports in value terms) were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of sunflower seed imports to Greece, with a combined share of 58.9% of total flows.

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

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