1. Weekly News

Russia

Russia Expands Sunflower Oil Exports to Singapore and China

Between Jan-25 and Apr-25, Russia exported 11.4 thousand tons of sunflower oil to Singapore, which is more than 11 times higher than the historical maximum of 2020. This surge highlights rising demand for Russian agricultural products in Southeast Asia. Singapore’s increasing openness to a variety of imported food items, including grains and water, is helping drive this growth. Meanwhile, exports to China continue to perform well, particularly for large-format and high-fat sunflower oil products. Russian exporters are capitalizing on these preferences through flexible logistics and adaptive product offerings, strengthening their position in Southeast Asian and Chinese markets.

Russia Raises Sunflower Oil Export Duties for Jun-25

For Jun-25, Russia increased its export duty on sunflower oil to USD 90.71/ton (RUB 7,119.8/ton), up from USD 57.33/ton (RUB 4,500/ton) in May-25. Sunflower meal duties also rose to USD 15.85/ton (RUB 1,244.1/ton), up from RUB 943.6. These duties are calculated as 70% of the difference between base and indicative prices, which reached USD 1.1 thousand/ton for sunflower oil and USD 219.8/ton for meal. This change is part of the “sunflower damper” mechanism implemented in 2021 and extended through Sep-26. It aims to regulate export flows and stabilize local markets in the face of rising global prices.

Ukraine

Ukraine Sees Rising Sunflower Oil Prices in May-25

Ukrainian consumers are facing higher prices for sunflower oil in May-25. The popular Oleina refined sunflower oil (850 ml) rose to USD 1.92 (UAH 79.95), up from USD 1.85 (UAH 77.03) in Apr-25, with retail prices ranging from USD 1.80 (UAH 74.90) to USD 1.97 (UAH 81.99). Likewise, Generous Dar sunflower oil edged up to USD 1.94 (UAH 80.66), compared to USD (UAH 80.36) last month, with prices varying between USD 1.91 (UAH 79.20) and USD 1.97 (UAH 81.99) depending on the store. The price hikes reflect broader inflationary pressures and sensitivity around staple food items in Ukrainian households.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Sunflower Oil Pricing Top Producers (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Sunflower Oil Pricing Top Producers (W21 2024 to W21 2025) 

Ukraine

In W21, Ukraine’s sunflower oil prices declined slightly by 0.88% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.13 per kilogram (kg) and 2.59% month-on-month (MoM), partly due to seasonal variations and localized oversupply as farmers released stockpiled sunflower seeds earlier in the season, alongside competitive pressure from increased Russian exports to Southeast Asia and China earlier this year. However, inflationary pressures and staple food sensitivities have recently pushed retail prices up in May-25, indicating market volatility. Additionally, year-on-year (YoY) prices increased by 28.41% due to previous drought-induced production shortages and sustained strong global demand. Russia’s recent hike in export duties as of Jun-25 aims to regulate supply flows and stabilize prices, which may impact future competitive dynamics.

Argentina

Argentina's sunflower oil prices dropped slightly by 0.91% to USD 1.09/kg in W21, with a 1.80% MoM decline due to increased domestic supply as the sunflower harvest progressed steadily, easing short-term availability concerns. Additionally, weakening demand from key export markets amid global economic uncertainties contributed to the downward pressure. However, prices surged by 17.20% YoY due to the lingering effects of adverse weather conditions in the previous year, which had reduced crop yields, combined with higher global vegetable oil demand and inflation-driven cost increases throughout the supply chain.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Diversify Export Markets to Offset Duty Impacts

Sunflower oil producers should expand into alternative export markets to reduce dependency on high-duty regions and maintain sales volumes. For instance, producers in Ukraine, Turkey, and Argentina can target growing demand in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where competition is lower and import tariffs may be more favorable. Building partnerships with regional distributors and investing in tailored packaging for retail markets can also improve margins and offset the impact of rising export duties in traditional markets.

Offer Value Packs to Maintain Consumer Loyalty

Sunflower oil producers should introduce larger volume or multi-bottle value packs to help retailers offer better price-per-liter (L) options without reducing margins. For example, bundling two 850 ml bottles or offering 2–3 L family-size formats under trusted brands can appeal to cost-sensitive consumers while protecting brand positioning. Producers in Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria can also collaborate with retailers to run limited-time promotions that highlight savings, easing price concerns during periods of inflation.

Sources: Tridge, Agronews, Freshplaza, Interfax, Swfera