Sunflower seeds market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the sunflower seeds market in Spain contracted from 1.36 million tons to 1.11 million tons. This period was marked by regulatory frameworks aimed at supporting the sector, such as the National Action Plan for the conservation of plant genetic resources and specific rules for certified hybrid sunflower seed production. In 2020, a deficit in sunflower oil imports from Ukraine stimulated domestic demand for seeds for processing, contributing to a recovery in production that year. The following year, new royal decree on organic production and labeling introduced additional requirements for the certification and marketing of organic sunflower seeds.

A pivotal shift occurred in 2022 when the market volume surged to 1.36 million tons. This expansion was primarily driven by the war in Ukraine, which disrupted global supplies and led to a sharp increase in the sunflower planted area in Spain to 877,000 hectares. The flexibility of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), allowing cultivation on fallow land, was a key enabler. Furthermore, seed batches originally prepared for export remained in the country due to the conflict, boosting domestic availability. Significant corporate investments, such as those by Corteva Agriscience to expand high-quality sunflower seed production in Europe, responded to the growing demand.

In 2023, domestic sunflower seed production continued to rise, reaching 849.4 thousand tons, supported by stable planted area and better yields, particularly in Castilla y León. However, the total market volume declined to 1.27 million tons due to a significant drop in imports. Consumer demand for packaged sunflower oil remained strong, at times surpassing olive oil sales, reflecting shifting consumption habits. Ongoing challenges included climate factors like drought and price volatility. Looking to 2024, a modification of the CAP Strategic Plan introduced specific subsidies for environmentally sustainable sunflower cultivation in Castilla-La Mancha, reinforcing its role in crop rotation.

Production sunflower seeds in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain ranked as the world's 12th largest producer of sunflower seeds.

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

In 2020, Spain produced 892.8 thousand tons of sunflower seeds, marking a significant increase of 14.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 782.3 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2018 at 960.8 thousand tons. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 18.6%, whereas the largest increase was observed in 2018, with a rise of 14.1%.

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

Exports sunflower seeds from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Sunflower seed exports from Spain have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 32.6 thousand tons, representing a sharp increase of 64.6% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 108.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 27.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Russia, and Portugal remained the primary buyers of sunflower seeds from Spain, accounting for 51.4%, 14.4%, and 10.3% of exports in volume, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 76.1% of Spain's total sunflower seed exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's cross-border shipments of sunflower seeds were valued at 96.3 million US dollars, up by 25.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 9%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 76.5 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 108.6 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 29.5%.

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

During 2017–2020, Russia, France, and Ukraine continued to be the main buyers of sunflower seeds from Spain in value terms, representing 40.9%, 19.6%, and 16.0% of exports, respectively. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 76.5% of Spain's total sunflower seed export value.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Spain's sunflower seed import volume reached 402.7 thousand tons, showing a strong contraction of 24.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 12.8%, equating to an average annual decline of 4.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 532.8 thousand tons, with the largest increase also occurring in that year at 29.0%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, France, Romania, and Bulgaria were the main sources of sunflower seed imports to Spain, accounting for 45.5%, 30.8%, and 5.9% of imports in volume, respectively. Together, these three countries absorbed 82.1% of Spain's total sunflower seed imports by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, sunflower seed imports to Spain declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 259.1 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate decrease of 7.3% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 9.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 279.5 million US dollars, and the largest increase also occurred in that year at 14.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, France, Romania, and China remained the primary markets for sunflower seed imports to Spain in value terms, representing 39.3%, 20.5%, and 13.3% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 73.1% of Spain's total sunflower seed import value.

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

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