Sunflower seeds market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

In 2019, sunflower seed production in MERCOSUR increased to 3 999 тыс. т, supported by a surge in export demand, particularly from Brazil where export volumes grew by 184.6%. After a sharp drop to 2 973 тыс. т in 2020, production recovered in 2021 and continued to expand through 2023, reaching 5 154 тыс. т, while the market size grew to 5 075 тыс. т.

The production growth in 2022–2023 coincided with the consolidation and expansion of key seed market players such as Girassol Agrícola, which increased planted area for oilseed crops and invested in modern processing technology. In 2024, Embrapa launched new early‑maturing and disease‑tolerant sunflower cultivars, which can improve crop productivity and support future output.

Production sunflower seeds in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

Following two consecutive years of growth, sunflower seed production in MERCOSUR experienced a decline. In 2019, production reached its peak at 3,999 thousand tonnes, marking a 7.4% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, output had fallen to 2,973 thousand tonnes, representing a 25.7% decrease compared to 2019. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 20%, which translates to an average annual decline of 7.2%.

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

Exports sunflower seeds from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 47.8 thousand tonnes, which was 34.1% lower than the previous year. In 2019, exports surged by 204.2%, reaching a higher level. By 2020, MERCOSUR's sunflower seed exports peaked at 206.4 thousand tonnes, a 42.1% increase from 2019. The difference between the highest volume in 2020 and the lowest in 2018 was 4.3 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, France, and Spain emerged as the primary markets for sunflower seed exports in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 23.0% of exports, France for 19.4%, and Spain for 15.2%. Together, these three countries represented 57.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, suggesting a volatile market environment. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 46.2 million US dollars, reflecting a 27.8% decline from the previous year. In 2019, exports increased by 78.6%. By 2020, sunflower seed exports from MERCOSUR reached 103.7 million US dollars, a 25.7% rise compared to 2019. The gap between the highest value in 2020 and the lowest in 2018 was 2.2 times.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country composition of sunflower seed exports in value terms was quite dispersed. Spain led with 15.3% of exports, followed by Turkey at 14.1%, and the United States at 12.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for just 42.4% of total flows, with the remaining 57.6% distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, K t

In 2018, sunflower seed imports into MERCOSUR hit their lowest point at 7.4 thousand tonnes, a 19.4% decrease from the previous year. Imports then rose by 13.6% in 2019. By 2020, imports stood at 7.7 thousand tonnes, down 8.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 15.8%, with an average annual decrease of 5.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Bolivia, and Chile were the largest suppliers of sunflower seeds to MERCOSUR in volume terms. Bulgaria contributed 16.9% of imports, Bolivia 2.2%, and Chile 1.1%. Collectively, these three countries made up 20.2% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2018, the value of sunflower seed imports into MERCOSUR reached its minimum at 10.4 million US dollars, a 22.1% drop from the previous year. Imports then increased by 5.9% in 2019. By 2020, imports totaled 10.4 million US dollars, showing a modest decrease of 4.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 21.5%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 7.8%.

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

During 2017–2020, imports of sunflower seeds into MERCOSUR in value terms were relatively evenly distributed. Bulgaria accounted for 14.7% of imports, Bolivia for 12.8%, and the United States for 7.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 34.9% of total import flows.

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

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