Sunflower seeds market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the South American sunflower seeds market volume grew from 3 807 thousand tons to 4 024 thousand tons. This increase was supported by rising demand for sunflower oil in developing countries, owing to its health profile and competitive price, which bolstered need for seeds. However, in 2020, market volume fell sharply to 2 947 thousand tons. Recovery followed in 2021, reaching 3 505 thousand tons, fueled by growing consumer preference for healthy foods and organic products, as well as investments in genetic seed improvement and processing.

The market accelerated from 2022, with volume rising to 4 209 thousand tons in 2022 and surging to 5 349 thousand tons in 2023. This strong growth was primarily driven by a projected 42% increase in sunflower production in Brazil for the 2022/2023 harvest, alongside continuous investment and expansion by leading companies like Girassol Agrícola in technology and production capacity. The Russia-Ukraine war also disrupted global supply chains and elevated prices, further stimulating local production efforts.

For 2024, industry factors emphasize sustainable agricultural practices, reduction of carbon footprint, and plastic-free packaging as key market drivers, with continued expansion of sown area and productivity in Brazil.

Production sunflower seeds in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

South America's sunflower seed production experienced a decline after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 4,142 thousand tonnes, but then fell by 24.1% to 3,144 thousand tonnes in 2020. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 17.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.1%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 7.4%.

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

Exports sunflower seeds from South America

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Sunflower seed exports from South America varied significantly, with volumes in 2018 hitting a low of 61.1 thousand tonnes and then surging to 217.8 thousand tonnes in 2020—a 58.0% increase compared to the previous year. This represents a 3.6-fold difference between the lowest and highest points. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 24.7%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2019 with a jump of 125.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, France, and Spain consistently served as the three largest markets for South America's sunflower seed exports in volume terms. Together, these countries accounted for 58.3% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of sunflower seeds from South America increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 128.4 million US dollars, marking a 17.0% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 46.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 82.0 million US dollars, which saw a decline of 6.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with exports climbing by 33.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, the United States, and Spain emerged as the primary markets for South America's sunflower seed exports in value terms. France accounted for 25.9% of export value, followed by the United States at 14.2%, and Spain at 11.1%. Collectively, these three markets represented 51.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to South America

Imports in kind, K t

Sunflower seed imports into South America increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 20.7 thousand tonnes, up by 1.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 48.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 13.4 thousand tonnes, which saw a decline of 3.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with imports rising by 52.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, the United States, and Canada were the leading sources of sunflower seed imports into South America in volume terms. Bulgaria accounted for 13.4% of imports, followed by the United States at 3.7%, and Canada at 2.2%. Together, these three countries made up 19.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, South America's sunflower seed imports reached 28.7 million US dollars, representing a 6.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when imports fell by 1.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Bulgaria, and Canada formed the main group of sources for sunflower seed imports into South America in value terms. The United States accounted for 12.0% of import value, Bulgaria for 8.0%, and Canada for 1.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 21.2% of total import flows.

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

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