Sunflower seeds market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The sunflower seeds market in Portugal underwent significant volume changes between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 299 thousand tons in 2018, consumption fell steadily to 194 thousand tons by 2021. This period saw industry developments like the global push for certified seeds and improved varieties, as well as BASF's 2019 distribution agreement with Euralis Semences, which expanded the portfolio of specialized seeds available in the market.

A sharp recovery occurred in 2022, with market volume jumping to 310 thousand tons. This growth was primarily fueled by rising European consumer demand for healthier snack options, which increased the consumption of sunflower seeds. Concurrently, Corteva Agriscience invested in expanding its sunflower seed production in Romania to meet growing regional demand, supporting supply availability.

In 2023, the market contracted to 204 thousand tons following the implementation of Portugal's Portaria 385/2023. This regulation established stricter homogeneity and stability protocols for seed certification, including sunflower seeds, directly impacting market conditions and volume.

Production sunflower seeds in Portugal

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2018-2021

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2018-2021

Portugal's sunflower seed production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 9 410 tons of sunflower seeds, which represents a 1.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 41.3%, translating to an average annual decline of 16.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports sunflower seeds from Portugal

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout this period. From the low in 2021 to the high in 2019, export volumes varied by 7.2 times. In 2021, Portugal's cross-border shipments of sunflower seeds reached 1.8 thousand tons, marking a sharp decrease of 62.5% compared to 2020. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 13.2 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 63.2%, while the largest increase was seen in 2019, with a rise of 128.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Ireland and Spain were the two dominant destinations for Portugal's sunflower seed exports in volume terms. Ireland accounted for 54.1% of total flows, while Spain made up 45.0%, together representing 99.0% of all exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. It reached a peak in 2019 and a trough in 2020, with a 2.8-fold variation between these years. In 2021, Portugal's sunflower seed exports were valued at 2.6 million US dollars, up by 71.3% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 1.5 million US dollars, and the maximum was in 2019 at 4.3 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 64.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and Ireland continued to lead as the top markets for Portugal's sunflower seed exports in value terms, together accounting for 93.3% of total flows. Other partners played a supplementary role in the export structure.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports sunflower seeds to Portugal

Imports in kind, K t

Portugal's sunflower seed imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the import volume was 186.0 thousand tons, indicating a contraction of 16.4% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 35.6%, with an average annual decline of 13.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, the country structure of imports in volume terms was heavily concentrated on Romania, which accounted for 73.4% of total flows. Other partners made up the remaining volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year reduction, Portugal's sunflower seed imports increased in 2021. The country imported 115.3 million US dollars worth of sunflower seeds, up by 25.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 4%, with an average annual decline of 1.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 91.8 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 17.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, France, and Bulgaria were the biggest contributors to Portugal's sunflower seed imports in value terms. Romania accounted for 69.3% of imports, France for 6.0%, and Bulgaria for 5.2%, jointly making up 80.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021