Sunflower seeds market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the sunflower seed market volume in Western Asia increased from 2 977 thousand tons in 2018 to 3 440 thousand tons in 2019, then stabilized around 3 400 thousand tons in 2020. During this period, the industry remained dependent on raw material imports, with customs duties and price surveillance measures continuing on seed and oil imports. In 2020, new regulations for seed type classification were introduced after August, and trading through the electronic ELÜS system remained active for oilseed and snack varieties.

From 2021 onward, the market volume declined to 3 221 thousand tons in 2021, despite government support measures for producers, including payments of 110 TL per decare. Seed production increased, but imports fell significantly. At the same time, exports of domestic hybrid seeds to Russia began, and the production and marketing of such seeds expanded with ministry support. In 2022, the market grew to 3 453 thousand tons, driven by increased production of high-yield hybrid varieties and strengthened presence in export markets. However, in 2023, the market volume decreased again to 3 087 thousand tons.

Production sunflower seeds in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

In 2019, sunflower seed production in Western Asia reached its peak at 2,150 thousand tonnes, marking an 8.3% increase from the previous year. However, output declined slightly in 2020 to 2,106 thousand tonnes, representing a 2.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest production level during this timeframe was recorded in 2018 at 1,986 thousand tonnes.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sunflower seed production in Western Asia has grown for the third consecutive year in value terms. In 2020, the output was valued at 4,089 million US dollars, which is a significant 19.5% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 48.6%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 14.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports sunflower seeds from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, sunflower seed exports from Western Asia totaled 114 thousand tonnes, showing a substantial year-on-year decline of 19.7%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 20.9%, with an average annual decline of 7.5%. The largest increase in exports occurred in 2019, when they grew by 17.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, sunflower seeds from Western Asia were exported to a diverse range of markets. Even the top three destinations—the Netherlands, Romania, and Iran—collectively accounted for only 44.3% of total exports in volume terms, highlighting the wide distribution of trade flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2019, sunflower seed exports from Western Asia reached their highest value at 224.9 million US dollars, reflecting a notable 30.9% increase from the previous year. However, exports declined slightly in 2020 to 220.3 million US dollars, down 2.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 11.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 171.9 million US dollars, which represented a 12.8% decrease from the prior year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, sunflower seed exports from Western Asia in value terms were widely dispersed across various partner countries. The top three markets—Russia (12.9% of export value), the Netherlands (10.9%), and Ukraine (9.5%)—together accounted for only 33.3% of total export flows, indicating a highly diversified trade structure.

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

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

Imports sunflower seeds to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, sunflower seed imports into Western Asia declined in 2020, totaling 1,403 thousand tonnes—a slight decrease of 2.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 74.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 20.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1,432 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 38.1% rise.

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

During 2017-2020, Russia (28.0% of import volume), Moldova (24.7%), and China (15.7%) formed the primary cluster of suppliers for sunflower seed imports into Western Asia, together accounting for 68.3% of total import flows in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sunflower seed imports into Western Asia have increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 845.9 million US dollars, representing a 10.0% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 67.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China (31.5% of import value), Russia (21.4%), and Moldova (18.1%) accounted for the largest share of sunflower seed imports into Western Asia in value terms, together comprising 70.9% of total import flows.

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

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