Sunflower seeds market in Uganda

Earlier Report Observations

The sunflower seeds market in Uganda saw a substantial expansion from 267.1 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 383.2 thousand tonnes in 2019, a rise of over 40%. This surge was supported by a global context of rising sunflower seed production, which increased by 4% worldwide, alongside favorable climatic conditions that enhanced yields. These factors contributed to higher local production, which jumped from 272.3 to 383.2 thousand tonnes in the same period.

Growth moderated between 2020 and 2022, with the market increasing by 1-3% annually to reach 415.1 thousand tonnes by 2022. In 2023, the market accelerated again, rising by 12.5% to 467.1 thousand tonnes, supported by continued production growth which reached 470.0 thousand tonnes that year.

Over the full period from 2018 to 2023, Uganda's sunflower seed market volume grew by 200 thousand tonnes, reflecting a consistent upward trend in domestic output that drove overall market expansion.

Production sunflower seeds in Uganda

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Uganda was among the world's leading producers of sunflower seeds from 2017 to 2020, ranking 17th globally by production volume.

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

Uganda's sunflower seed production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 390.0 K t of sunflower seeds, marking a 1.8% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 60.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 17.1%.

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

Exports sunflower seeds from Uganda

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Sunflower seed exports from Uganda reached their lowest point in 2019 at 211 t, then peaked in 2018 at 5 500 t—a 26-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports rose to 513 t, representing a 143.8% increase year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 96.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya remained the primary destination for Uganda's sunflower seed exports in kind, accounting for 82.5% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Export values fluctuated significantly, with a 52-fold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2017. In 2020, sunflower seed exports from Uganda amounted to 300 K $ US, reflecting a sharp gain of 153.2% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 913 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 87.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 5 071.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in value terms was highly concentrated, with Kenya and Tanzania together accounting for 87.1% of total flows, and other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to Uganda

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2018 at 318 t—a 1.8-fold increase between these years. In 2020, imported sunflower seed volumes in Uganda were recorded at 247 t, reflecting a strong gain of 25.0% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 37.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 80.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa (65.9% of imports in kind), China (10.3% of imports in kind), and Saudi Arabia (9.1% of imports in kind) were the principal sources for Uganda's sunflower seed imports in kind, jointly accounting for 85.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Import values varied by 2-fold between the high in 2018 and the low in 2017. In 2020, Uganda imported sunflower seeds worth 300 K $ US, which is 49.2% higher than the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 789 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 37.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 98.5%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, South Africa played the leading role in Uganda's sunflower seed imports in value terms, with a share of 72.2% of total flows, while other markets together accounted for the rest.

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

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