Sunflower Seed Prices Weaken Further – Harvest Pressure in South Africa Builds

Sunflower Seed Prices Weaken Further – Harvest Pressure in South Africa Builds

Sunflower seed futures in South Africa extended losses on Friday. Strong harvest deliveries and a broader weakness in vegetable oil markets continue to weigh on prices.

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📊 Market Situation & Price Development (SAFEX – ZAR/t)

All key sunflower seed contracts on the South African Futures Exchange (SAFEX) traded lower on Friday. The May 2025 contract lost 14 ZAR to 8,779 ZAR/t, equivalent to approximately 439 EUR/t (assuming 1 EUR = 20.00 ZAR). The Jul 2025 contract dropped by 22 ZAR to 8,965 ZAR/t (≈448 EUR/t).

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🌍 Key Market Drivers

• Harvest Pressure IncreasingPeak deliveries from the 2025 crop are weighing on spot prices. Processors are well supplied, and bids have softened.
• Vegetable Oil Complex Under PressureDeclines in soyoil, rapeseed, and palm oil have lowered crushing margins globally, pressuring sunflower oil demand.
• Export Market LimitedWith Ukrainian sunflower oil remaining cheaper, South African export prospects remain weak in Q2.
• Currency StableThe South African rand remained steady, offering no additional support to domestic prices.

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💼 Trading Strategy & Market Outlook

Sunflower seed prices are moving toward seasonal lows. Unless oil markets stabilise, pressure may continue.

Strategy:– Hold off on new longs until harvest volume peaks– Exporters face weak margins – focus on internal feed markets– Look for potential price support near 8,700–8,800 ZAR/t

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📈 3-Day Price Forecast (Jul 25 Contract – ZAR/t)

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🌦️ 14-Day Weather Outlook – Sunflower Regions (South Africa)

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