Sunflower seeds market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The sunflower seeds market in Northern Africa contracted significantly from 2018 to 2023, with market volume falling from 487 thousand tons to 218 thousand tons. This decline was primarily driven by a sharp reduction in imports, which dropped from 332 thousand tons to just 51 thousand tons over the same period. Domestic production fluctuated but showed a modest recovery after 2020, reaching 186 thousand tons in 2023.

The Russian-Ukrainian war, which began in 2022, disrupted global sunflower seed supplies and trade flows. This geopolitical shock reduced import availability into Northern Africa, contributing to the continued market contraction in 2023. Simultaneously, higher global prices likely constrained import demand, reinforcing the downturn.

In 2024, unfavorable weather conditions in the Black Sea region, a key global production area, further tightened world supply. Combined with the ongoing war, this led to sustained high global sunflower seed prices. These factors influenced trade patterns, with Northern Africa's imports remaining low at 60 thousand tons while exports surged to 350 thousand tons, indicating a shift in regional trade dynamics.

Production sunflower seeds in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

Sunflower seeds production in Northern Africa has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 156.2 thousand tons, marking a modest 4.9% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 23.3%, which translates to an annualized decline of 8.5%.

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

Exports sunflower seeds from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports peaked in 2018 at 18.5 thousand tons, but then saw the largest decline of 78.7% in 2019. In 2020, Northern Africa's sunflower seeds exports stood at 3.0 thousand tons, which is 23.0% lower than in 2019. The period from 2017 to 2018 showed a dramatic fluctuation, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 135 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, sunflower seeds from Northern Africa were traded with numerous countries. Even the top destinations—Lebanon, Belgium, and the Netherlands—collectively accounted for only 47.1% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Northern Africa exported sunflower seeds worth 2.9 million US dollars, representing a modest 3.8% decline year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2.1 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 9.5% that year. Exports then rebounded, reaching a maximum of 3.1 million US dollars in 2019, which saw the largest increase of 45.7%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 26.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 8.2%.

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

The partner structure for exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. Lebanon accounted for 17.6% of exports, Belgium for 16.0%, and the Netherlands for 14.6%, with these three countries together making up only 48.2% of total flows, and no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year reduction, sunflower seeds imports into Northern Africa increased in 2020. Imports amounted to 171.8 thousand tons, which is 9.1% higher than in the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 157.4 thousand tons, following the largest decline of 55.7% in 2018. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 77.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -38.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China played a dominant role in imports of sunflower seeds to Northern Africa, accounting for 61.6% of the volume. Turkey followed with 12.3%, and Romania with 7.7%, with these three countries jointly representing 81.6% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Northern Africa imported sunflower seeds worth approximately 154.9 million US dollars, marking a 3.0% decrease compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 148.4 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 5.5%. Imports then rose to a maximum of 159.8 million US dollars in 2019, with the largest increase of 7.7% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the primary destination for imports in value terms, absorbing 76.6% of total sunflower seeds imports to Northern Africa, while the remainder was distributed among a variety of smaller markets.

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

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