Analysts note that for the second consecutive year, unfavorable weather conditions are significantly impacting sunflower yields in Ukraine, resulting in an expected decrease in productivity to levels seen in 2014. In the first four months of the new season, sunflower export volumes amounted to only 12,000 tons, the lowest figure in the last two decades. Currently, the majority of the harvest remains in the country for processing into value-added products, particularly sunflower oil.
This is reported by Business • Media
Impact of Weather Conditions and Logistical Constraints
The low volumes of oil exports are influenced by delays in harvesting and farmers’ reluctance to sell sunflowers at current prices. Additionally, the situation is complicated by Russian attacks on logistical infrastructure, leading to disruptions in transportation. Over four months, Ukraine exported about 1.3 million tons of sunflower oil, whereas in previous years this figure reached 2 million tons. Similar trends are observed in the sunflower meal segment.
Rising Costs in the Processing Industry
“The rise in energy prices in Ukraine poses a challenge for the processing industry. This means that the cost of processing is increasing, and therefore, factories will not be able to offer high prices to farmers throughout the season.”
Currently, Ukrainian processors are willing to pay farmers $550-560 per ton of sunflowers. Experts estimate that the costs of energy resources and the market situation will influence pricing policies throughout 2026.