Soybean and Sunflower Harvesting in Full Swing in Ukraine

05-Sep-2025 06:00 PM

Kiev. In the countries of the Black Sea region, especially Russia, Ukraine and Romania, the preparation for harvesting of oilseed crops like sunflower and soybean started in the last week of August, which is now gradually gaining momentum.

A leading trade analyst has lowered the sunflower production estimate in Ukraine to around 130 lakh tonnes. According to the analyst, due to unfavourable weather conditions during the crop development phase,

the average yield rate of sunflower in Ukraine is likely to fall from last year's 1200-1600 kg per hectare to around 800 kg per hectare this time. This time the harvesting of crops is getting delayed in many areas and hence there is a lack of future deals there.

During the month of August, only 2.11 lakh tonnes of edible oil (mainly sunflower oil) was exported from Ukraine. Due to weak demand, no special movement is being seen in the market there.

Due to the fierce drone attack by Russia on Chornomorsk, the power supply has been temporarily disrupted and the movement of ships has been blocked. There is difficulty in delivering goods (edible oil) for export purpose at Odessa port.

The export offer price of refined sunflower oil in Ukraine has come down to $ 1300 per tonne and the price of bottled oil has come down to $ 1.38 per liter.

Similarly, the export offer price of crude sunflower oil is being reported to be $ 1215-1225 per tonne for September delivery and $ 1205-1210 per tonne for October shipment.

Although the demand from India remains strong, there is a possibility of more pressure on the prices of sunflower oil for October shipment at the ports of the Black Sea region because after that the festival season will end in India.

On the other hand, the production of sunflower seed in Russia is expected to jump rapidly to a record level of 175-180 lakh tonnes.