Sunflower seeds market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the South African sunflower seed market showed significant fluctuations. In 2018, despite no growth in production, market volume remained high at 864 thousand tons due to a sharp 40% increase in domestic demand for sunflower oil and cake. This led to rising seed imports to cover the shortfall, as processing capacity substantially exceeded local output. However, pressure on planted area from low prices, influenced by a weak rand and international markets, constrained production expansion. By 2020, the market recovered to 788 thousand tons, supported by continued demand growth and increased imports.

Between 2021 and 2023, production volatility continued. Output fell to 678 thousand tons in 2021, driven by drought and high input costs that reduced planted area and yields. Additional pressure came from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which affected global prices and availability. A sharp rebound followed in 2022, with record production of 846 thousand tons achieved through a 21% expansion in planted area, stimulated by heightened demand and global market conditions. However, drought returned in 2023, lowering the harvest and reducing market volume to 732 thousand tons, despite growing demand from the processing sector.

In 2024 and 2025, the industry saw positive developments. 2024 brought increased planting and production, driven by seed shortages and high prices, alongside the adoption of new technologies and research on optimal hybrids and planting dates. By 2025, new players entered the market, broadening participation in the supply chain, while consumer interest grew in niche products like high-oleic and non-GMO sunflower oil. Macroeconomic factors, including exchange rates and international political uncertainty, continued to influence market dynamics.

Production sunflower seeds in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked 15th globally in sunflower seed production volume.

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2018-2021

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2018-2021

In 2021, South Africa produced 678.0 K t of sunflower seeds, marking a significant decrease of 14.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 21.3%, which translates to an annualized decline of 7.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 678.0 K t. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019 with a 21.3% decrease, while the largest increase was seen in 2020 at 16.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports sunflower seeds from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Sunflower seed exports from South Africa increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching 1 473 t, up 10.0% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 10.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 1 069 t. The largest decline happened in 2019 with a 19.6% drop, while the biggest increase occurred in 2020 at 25.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the main markets for South Africa's sunflower seed exports in kind were Botswana (33.9% of exports), Namibia (24.2%), and Zimbabwe (13.6%). Together, these three countries accounted for 71.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed considerable volatility during this period. Exports in value terms reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2021, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, South Africa's sunflower seed exports amounted to 4 424 K $ US, a sharp increase of 73.9% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 569 K $ US, with the largest decline that year at 52.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Zimbabwe (38.1% of exports in value terms), Kenya (14.9%), and Sudan (14.7%) were the key markets for South Africa's sunflower seed exports. Together, they represented 67.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Import volumes hit their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 4.4-fold difference. In 2021, South Africa imported 2 113 t of sunflower seeds, a substantial increase of 186.5% from the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 737 t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 65.5% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Bulgaria (22.8% of imports in kind), Malawi (22.7%), and Botswana (21.7%) were the primary sources for South Africa's sunflower seed imports. Collectively, these three countries made up 67.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports in value terms were at their lowest in 2020 and highest in 2018, with a 28-fold gap. In 2021, South Africa's sunflower seed imports stood at 2 036 K $ US, a significant advance of 209.1% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 659 K $ US, with the largest decline in 2019 at 88.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018–2021 period, Chile was the dominant source for South Africa's sunflower seed imports in value terms, accounting for 73.2% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of minor partners.

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

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