Sunflower Seed Market Under Pressure – Core Segment Remains Well Supplied

South African sunflower seed futures declined across the board on Friday, reflecting ongoing harvest deliveries and weak oilseed sentiment. The market for hulled kernels in Eastern Europe remains saturated.

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

South African sunflower seed contracts continued to decline. The May 2025 contract dropped by 14 ZAR to 8,779 ZAR/t, while the Jul 25 contract lost 22 ZAR to 8,965 ZAR/t. In EUR, this translates to approx. 439 EUR/t and 448 EUR/t respectively (1 EUR = 20 ZAR).

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📉 Prices for Hulled Sunflower Seeds (FCA, €/kg)

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🌍 Key Market Drivers

• Supply DominanceThe market remains well stocked with hulled sunflower kernels. Processors in Ukraine, Moldova, and Bulgaria are offering consistent volumes with little buying pressure.
• EU Buyer Activity LowTraders report that EU buyers are well covered through June. Spot inquiries are rare, and forward interest remains muted.
• Weak Oilseed SentimentFalling soyoil and palm oil prices reduce kernel demand as crushing margins tighten and oil buyers reduce activity.
• South African Harvest PressureLocal SAFEX prices reflect seasonal pressure, and no meaningful demand increase yet.

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💼 Trading Strategy & Market Outlook

The sunflower kernel market is flat and fully supplied. A demand-led recovery appears unlikely in the near term.

Strategy:– Spot buying only on firm contract terms– Importers should leverage slow momentum for discounts– Processors may hold stock unless urgent cash flow is needed

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📈 3-Day Price Forecast (Jul 25 Contract – SAFEX)

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🌦️ 14-Day Weather Outlook – Sunflower Regions

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