This week’s sunflower market report.

• In Ukraine, heavy rainfall has hindered the sunflower harvest, particularly in western regions. As of November 20, approximately 9.01 million tons have been harvested from 92 percent of planted areas, marking a year-over-year decline. Despite lower yields, purchase prices have surged due to expectations of higher acidity in remaining crops, which is helping stabilize market prices.
• Geopolitical tensions are causing processing delays, contributing to increased demand and prices for sunflower meal as buyers seek alternatives to more expensive grains like barley, wheat, and corn. Meanwhile, Romania is experiencing a notable production decline. In response, domestic processors are prioritizing seed exports over oil due to strong international demand and attractive premiums, which is reducing Romania’s sunflower oil export volumes and challenging its position in newly secured markets.
• Russia’s Rostov region has seen a steep drop in sunflower exports, with only 863 tons shipped since January 2025, down significantly from the previous year. Export destinations have shifted to Turkey, Lebanon, and Egypt, driven by drought-induced crop and oil yield losses. In contrast, Romania's Bunge is expanding sunflower processing at its Leliu Gara plant, investing in technology and sustainability to strengthen its longstanding agricultural presence.
• In the North Caucasus Federal District, sunflower production is up 9 percent year over year, reaching 480,000 tons, with the Stavropol territory anticipating further yield gains due to favorable conditions. However, Southern Russia has experienced an 18 percent decline in total harvest, down to 3.1 million tons, largely due to extreme heat and drought during flowering, which reduced both yields and oil content.