Saudi Arabia: Sunflower Seed Market 2025

Sunflower Seed Market Size in Saudi Arabia

In 2022, the Saudi sunflower seed market decreased by 99.9% to less than $X, falling for the third consecutive year after eight years of growth. Overall, consumption saw a significant increase. Sunflower seed consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sunflower Seed Production in Saudi Arabia

In value terms, sunflower seed production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

The average yield of sunflower seed in Saudi Arabia amounted to less than X kg per ha in 2022, standing approx. at 2021. In general, the yield showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, approx. less than X ha of sunflower seed were harvested in Saudi Arabia; approximately mirroring the previous year's figure. In general, the harvested area continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern.

Sunflower Seed Exports

Exports from Saudi Arabia

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas shipments of sunflower seed, when their volume decreased by -45.9% to X tons. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 12,577%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then shrank dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, sunflower seed exports declined to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, recorded a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 10,584% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

Exports by Country

Bahrain (X tons) was the main destination for sunflower seed exports from Saudi Arabia, with a 95% share of total exports. It was followed by the Netherlands (X tons), with a 1.8% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Bahrain amounted to +106.7%.

In value terms, Bahrain ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for sunflower seed exports from Saudi Arabia, comprising 83% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($X), with a 1.7% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Bahrain amounted to +88.1%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sunflower seed export price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 69% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw pronounced growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 86% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Bahrain stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Sudan (+38.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sunflower Seed Imports

Imports into Saudi Arabia

In 2021, supplies from abroad of sunflower seed decreased by -41.5% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after seven years of growth. In general, imports, however, recorded prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 86% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sunflower seed imports dropped markedly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, posted a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 103% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) was the main supplier of sunflower seed to Saudi Arabia, accounting for a 93% share of total imports. It was followed by Bulgaria (X tons), with a 2.8% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from China totaled +19.8%.

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sunflower seed to Saudi Arabia, comprising 88% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Bulgaria ($X), with a 2.1% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from China stood at +33.5%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sunflower seed import price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 6.6% against the previous year. In general, import price indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +8.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, sunflower seed import price increased by +59.4% against 2017 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the average import price increased by 17%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the price for Bulgaria amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Egypt (+54.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :