Eastern Europe: Safflower Seed Market 2025

Safflower Seed Market Size in Eastern Europe

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in the East European safflower seed market, when its value decreased by -17.8% to $X. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate a significant increase. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2021, and then contracted sharply in the following year.

Safflower Seed Production in Eastern Europe

In value terms, safflower seed production expanded remarkably to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, posted a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the production volume increased by 390%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

The country with the largest volume of safflower seed production was Russia (X tons), comprising approx. 99% of total volume.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in Russia totaled +33.2%.

In 2022, the average yield of safflower seed in Eastern Europe dropped slightly to X kg per ha, waning by -4.5% against 2021. Over the period under review, the yield, however, enjoyed strong growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the yield increased by 357% against the previous year. The level of yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the 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, the harvested area of safflower seed in Eastern Europe shrank to X ha, dropping by -13.9% against the previous year's figure. In general, the harvested area, however, continues to indicate buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the harvested area increased by 108%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to safflower seed production attained the peak figure at X ha in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

Safflower Seed Exports

Exports in Eastern Europe

In 2022, overseas shipments of safflower seed decreased by -7.3% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Overall, exports, however, saw a significant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 477%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, safflower seed exports contracted markedly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, enjoyed a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 403% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Russia prevails in exports structure, accounting for X tons, which was near 95% of total exports in 2022. Bulgaria (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Russia was also the fastest-growing in terms of the safflower seed exports, with a CAGR of +37.8% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Bulgaria (+30.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Russia (+4.5 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Bulgaria saw its share reduced by -1.6% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, Russia ($X) remains the largest safflower seed supplier in Eastern Europe, comprising 90% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Bulgaria ($X), with a 6.2% share of total exports.

In Russia, safflower seed exports increased at an average annual rate of +34.1% over the period from 2012-2022.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Eastern Europe stood at $X per ton in 2022, shrinking by -10.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a perceptible setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 39% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Bulgaria ($X per ton), while Russia stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Bulgaria (+4.3%).

Safflower Seed Imports

Imports in Eastern Europe

In 2022, overseas purchases of safflower seed increased by 10% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. In general, imports continue to indicate a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 115% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, safflower seed imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports saw a buoyant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 79%. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

Poland was the main importer of safflower seed in Eastern Europe, with the volume of imports reaching X tons, which was approx. 58% of total imports in 2022. Bulgaria (X tons) took a 24% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by the Czech Republic (14%). Hungary (X tons) held a relatively small share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to safflower seed imports into Poland stood at +16.6%. At the same time, Bulgaria (+38.5%), the Czech Republic (+29.2%) and Hungary (+24.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Bulgaria emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Eastern Europe, with a CAGR of +38.5% from 2012-2022. While the share of Bulgaria (+18 p.p.) and the Czech Republic (+6.9 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Poland (-26 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Poland ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported safflower seed in Eastern Europe, comprising 55% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Bulgaria ($X), with a 25% share of total imports. It was followed by the Czech Republic, with a 16% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Poland stood at +14.0%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Bulgaria (+39.6% per year) and the Czech Republic (+23.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Eastern Europe amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 6% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a pronounced contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the import price increased by 26% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Hungary ($X per ton) and the Czech Republic ($X per ton), while Poland ($X per ton) and Bulgaria ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Bulgaria (+0.8%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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