Iraq: Sunflower Seed Market 2025

Sunflower Seed Market Size in Iraq

The Iraqi sunflower seed market expanded significantly to $X in 2022, surging by 7.8% against the previous year. Overall, consumption showed a remarkable increase. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Sunflower Seed Production in Iraq

In value terms, sunflower seed production reached $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a dramatic decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the production volume increased by 36% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

In 2022, the average yield of sunflower seed in Iraq fell dramatically to X kg per ha, with a decrease of -54.8% against 2021. Overall, the yield showed a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 2,250% against the previous year. The sunflower seed yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The sunflower seed harvested area in Iraq soared to X ha in 2022, jumping by 17% against 2021 figures. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, faced a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the harvested area increased by 133%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to sunflower seed production attained the maximum at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sunflower Seed Exports

Exports from Iraq

In 2022, shipments abroad of sunflower seed decreased by -11.2% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year rising trend. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate significant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 287% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

In value terms, sunflower seed exports reduced to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, recorded significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by 243%. The exports peaked at $X in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

Exports by Country

Turkey (X tons) was the main destination for sunflower seed exports from Iraq, with a 41% share of total exports. Moreover, sunflower seed exports to Turkey exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the Netherlands (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Germany (X tons), with an 8.4% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Turkey totaled +14.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (+2,430.2% per year) and Germany (+4.3% per year).

In value terms, Turkey ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for sunflower seed exports from Iraq, comprising 44% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the UK ($X), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by Germany, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Turkey stood at +16.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (+361.1% per year) and Germany (+5.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sunflower seed export price amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -3.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the average export price increased by 27% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2022, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the Netherlands ($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 Turkey (+1.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Sunflower Seed Imports

Imports into Iraq

Sunflower seed imports into Iraq rose markedly to X tons in 2022, with an increase of 14% on 2021. Overall, imports saw a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 133% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sunflower seed imports expanded remarkably to $X in 2022. In general, imports posted significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 166% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, China (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of sunflower seed to Iraq, accounting for a 75% share of total imports. Moreover, sunflower seed imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Turkey (X tons), ninefold. The United States (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 5.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from China amounted to +50.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Turkey (+3.3% per year) and the United States (+42.8% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sunflower seed to Iraq, comprising 84% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Turkey ($X), with a 6.1% share of total imports. It was followed by the United Arab Emirates, with a 3.7% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from China totaled +44.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Turkey (-3.8% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (+42.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sunflower seed import price amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -6.7% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 21%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the price for Ukraine ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+26.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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