China: Sunflower Seed Market 2025

Sunflower Seed Market Size in China

The Chinese sunflower seed market rose significantly to $X in 2022, picking up by 6.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +130.4% against 2016 indices. Sunflower seed consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Sunflower Seed Production in China

In value terms, sunflower seed production rose modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 64% against the previous year. Sunflower seed production peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, the average sunflower seed yield in China reduced modestly to X tons per ha, standing approx. at the previous year's figure. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the yield increased by 24% against the previous year. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the average sunflower seed yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, approx. X ha of sunflower seed were harvested in China; dropping by -1.6% compared with the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the harvested area increased by 9.3% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of the sunflower seed harvested area remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Sunflower Seed Exports

Exports from China

In 2022, approx. X tons of sunflower seed were exported from China; rising by 4.2% against 2021 figures. In general, exports saw a strong expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 78%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sunflower seed exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed resilient growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 37%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Iran (X tons), Iraq (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) were the main destinations of sunflower seed exports from China, together comprising 38% of total exports. Russia, Vietnam, Spain, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Thailand, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Jordan lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 48%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Uzbekistan (with a CAGR of +145.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for sunflower seed exported from China were Iran ($X), Iraq ($X) and the United Arab Emirates ($X), together accounting for 35% of total exports. Russia, Vietnam, Spain, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Jordan lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 49%.

Among the main countries of destination, Uzbekistan, with a CAGR of +138.5%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average sunflower seed export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, picking up by 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 19%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Spain ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Russia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Saudi Arabia (+3.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sunflower Seed Imports

Imports into China

In 2022, approx. X tons of sunflower seed were imported into China; with an increase of 15% compared with the year before. Over the period under review, imports showed a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 1,112% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, sunflower seed imports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, imports posted a prominent increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 132%. Imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Bulgaria (X tons) was the main supplier of sunflower seed to China, accounting for a 99% share of total imports. It was followed by the United States (X tons), with less than 0.1% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Bulgaria stood at +122.2%.

In value terms, Bulgaria ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sunflower seed to China, comprising 27% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United States ($X), with a 0.3% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Bulgaria amounted to +80.6%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sunflower seed import price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 25% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a dramatic descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 33% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Bulgaria amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+6.0%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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