China: Sunflower Seed Market 2023

Sunflower Seed Market Size in China

The Chinese sunflower seed market skyrocketed to $X in 2021, jumping by 29% against the previous year. Overall, the total consumption indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +100.2% against 2016 indices. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Sunflower Seed Production in China

In value terms, sunflower seed production expanded to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a slight setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the production volume increased by 64%. Sunflower seed production peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2021, the average yield of sunflower seed in China rose to X tons per ha, with an increase of 3.8% against the year before. Over the period under review, the yield showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 24%. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the average sunflower seed yield remained at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the sunflower seed harvested area in China shrank modestly to X ha, waning by -2.8% against 2020. Overall, the harvested area showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the harvested area increased by 9.3%. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level of X ha. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the sunflower seed harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Sunflower Seed Exports

Exports from China

After three years of growth, overseas shipments of sunflower seed decreased by -15.9% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 78% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2020, and then contracted notably in the following year.

In value terms, sunflower seed exports declined to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by 37%. The exports peaked at $X in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

Exports by Country

Turkey (X tons), Iraq (X tons) and Egypt (X tons) were the main destinations of sunflower seed exports from China, with a combined 45% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Iran, Spain, Russia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Israel, which together accounted for a further 42%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Uzbekistan (with a CAGR of +166.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for sunflower seed exported from China were Turkey ($X), Egypt ($X) and Iraq ($X), with a combined 44% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Spain, Iran, Vietnam, Russia, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel, which together accounted for a further 44%.

Among the main countries of destination, Uzbekistan, with a CAGR of +154.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of 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

In 2021, the average sunflower seed export price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 7.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 19%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Saudi Arabia (+1.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sunflower Seed Imports

Imports into China

Sunflower seed imports into China skyrocketed to X tons in 2021, rising by 76% on 2020 figures. In general, imports saw a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when imports increased by 1,114%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

In value terms, sunflower seed imports stood at $X in 2021. Overall, imports enjoyed a remarkable increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 132% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Bulgaria (X tons) was the main supplier of sunflower seed to China, accounting for a 93% share of total imports. Moreover, sunflower seed imports from Bulgaria exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United Arab Emirates (X tons), more than tenfold. Russia (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 2.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Bulgaria totaled +138.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+132.3% per year) and Russia (+369.4% per year).

In value terms, Bulgaria ($X), Kazakhstan ($X) and Russia ($X) appeared to be the largest sunflower seed suppliers to China, with a combined 82% share of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, Russia, with a CAGR of +220.2%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average sunflower seed import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, reducing by -41.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a dramatic descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average import price increased by 33% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Bulgaria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+5.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :