Pumpkin Price Support from Tariffs Offers Temporary Relief

The recent increase in US tariffs on Chinese pumpkin seed imports—from 10% to 20%—has helped steady prices that were previously falling. Traders are actively clearing old stock, while farmers prefer to hold onto their produce in hopes of better prices ahead. This combination has raised expectations that the long stretch of historically low prices may be winding down.

Traders Sell, Farmers Wait

Exporter inventories are dropping quickly. In contrast, farmers are choosing to wait, betting that improved prices are just around the corner. Their strategy is simple: sell later when the market strengthens. This cautious approach, though risky, reflects a growing belief that prices have bottomed out.

Farmers Eye Sunflowers Over Pumpkin

Looking ahead to the 2025–26 season, many farmers are considering a shift to sunflower crops. Lower pumpkin seed prices and higher input costs have prompted this potential change. However, it’s not a clear-cut decision. Farmers are weighing options carefully, knowing that any shift could change supply volumes in the months to come.

What Lies Ahead for the Market

For now, pumpkin seed prices appear stable, supported by low inventories, cautious farmer behavior, and protective trade policy. But that stability could shift quickly. As more farmers think about switching crops and global trade policies evolve, price trends could become harder to predict.

Tariff Comparison

Traders, farmers, and buyers now watch the market closely, knowing that the next few weeks may define the tone for the rest of the season.