Sunflower seeds are a vital agricultural commodity, serving as a key ingredient in food products, oils, and animal feed. The global market for sunflower seed exports is dominated by a few major producers, with Romania taking the top spot in 2023. This article explores the leading countries in sunflower seed exports, providing insights into global production trends.
Sunflower Seed Exports (2023)
| Rank | Country | Export (tons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇷🇴 Romania | 1,521,081 t |
| 2 | 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | 875,584 t |
| 3 | 🇺🇦 Ukraine | 797,493 t |
| 4 | 🇫🇷 France | 572,372 t |
| 5 | 🇨🇳 China | 462,740 t |
| 6 | 🇷🇺 Russia | 304,556 t |
| 7 | 🇲🇩 Moldova | 279,215 t |
| 8 | 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan | 237,494 t |
| 9 | 🇭🇺 Hungary | 201,421 t |
| 10 | 🇸🇰 Slovakia | 169,869 t |
| 11 | 🇭🇷 Croatia | 98,883 t |
| 12 | 🇹🇷 Türkiye | 92,916 t |
| 13 | 🇦🇷 Argentina | 90,546 t |
| 14 | 🇷🇸 Serbia | 69,733 t |
| 15 | 🇦🇹 Austria | 62,197 t |
| 16 | 🇩🇪 Germany | 59,544 t |
| 17 | 🇺🇸 United States | 59,254 t |
| 18 | 🇵🇱 Poland | 48,478 t |
| 19 | 🇨🇿 Czechia | 36,190 t |
| 20 | 🇨🇦 Canada | 26,887 t |
Top Sunflower Seed Exporters in 2023
According to the latest data from FAO, here are the world’s top exporters of sunflower seeds based on total export volume in metric tons (t):
- Romania – 1,521,081 t
- Bulgaria – 875,584 t
- Ukraine – 797,493 t
- France – 572,372 t
- China – 462,740 t
- Russia – 304,556 t
- Moldova – 279,215 t
- Kazakhstan – 237,494 t
- Hungary – 201,421 t
- Slovakia – 169,869 t
- Croatia – 98,883 t
- Türkiye – 92,916 t
- Argentina – 90,546 t
- Serbia – 69,733 t
- Austria – 62,197 t
- Germany – 59,544 t
- United States – 59,254 t
- Poland – 48,478 t
- Czechia – 36,190 t
- Canada – 26,887 t
Key Insights and Trends
1. Romania Leads Global Exports
Romania remains the largest exporter of sunflower seeds, with over 1.5 million metric tons exported in 2023. The country’s favorable climate, extensive agricultural land, and focus on oilseed production contribute to its dominance in the market.
2. Bulgaria and Ukraine: Strong Competitors
Bulgaria and Ukraine follow as the second and third-largest exporters, respectively. Despite geopolitical challenges, Ukraine continues to play a significant role in global sunflower seed exports.
3. France and China Among Top Five
France ranks fourth, with over 572,000 metric tons exported. China, a major consumer of sunflower seeds, also exports substantial quantities, securing the fifth position with over 462,000 metric tons.
4. Emerging Exporters
Countries like Moldova, Kazakhstan, and Slovakia are gradually increasing their sunflower seed exports, contributing to market diversification.
Conclusion
The sunflower seed export market is dominated by European countries, with Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine leading the way. The sector continues to grow, driven by demand for sunflower oil and snack seeds worldwide. As climate conditions, trade policies, and geopolitical factors evolve, the rankings of these exporters may shift in the coming years.
Source:
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
