Sunseed exports from Ukraine decreased by 58% in 2023

During the first eight months of 2023, sunflower seed exports decreased by 58% compared to the same period in 2022, which made it possible to significantly increase its processing at domestic facilities and, accordingly, the production and export of high value-added products. This is reported by the Ukroliyaprom association.

“One of the main features of 2022/23 MY was the significant increase of sunflower seed processing at domestic facilities starting from 2023, after the ban of its import by some EU countries. This allowed to increase the processing of sunflower seeds in the country significantly, and thus the production and export of sunflower oil – by 25.4% and sunflower meal – by 27.3% compared to 2021/22 MY,” – the company said in the report.

In 2022/23 MY, the production and exports of soybean oil increased by 18%, and exports of soybean meal – by 19.4%. These figures could have been higher if soybean processing in the country had increased, especially considering that exports of soybean products are mainly carried out by road and rail.

Despite the forecast for the growth of sunflower seed production in 2023/24 MY by 15%, the resources are expected to decrease due to the significant reduction of carry-over stocks at the beginning of the marketing year, the association said.

“In such circumstances, it is possible to reach the processing level of 2022/23 MY only if the sunflower seeds are processed at the domestic facilities and if the logistics issues of sunflower oil and meal export are resolved,” Ukroliyaprom added.

Tags: Ukraine, export, sunseed