Unrefined Sunflower Oil in 2024: Export Prospects, Key Markets, Prices, and Logistics

Unrefined Sunflower Oil in 2024: Export Prospects, Key Markets, Prices, and Logistics

Unrefined sunflower oil remains a strategic export product for Ukraine, which is the world’s largest producer and exporter. In 2024, the global sunflower oil market is influenced by climate change, logistical challenges, and growing demand in developing countries.

Ukrainian sunflower oil is traditionally highly valued for its high quality and competitive prices, ensuring stable supply to key markets. This analytical article examines:

• Export routes for Ukrainian sunflower oil
• Major importing countries of Ukrainian oil
• Key players in the global sunflower oil market
• Price dynamics in 2024
• Export logistics
• Market prospects in 2024

1. Export Routes for Ukrainian Sunflower Oil

Ukraine is the global leader in sunflower oil production, accounting for up to 50% of global exports. In 2024, exports are projected to reach 4.5–5 million tons of unrefined sunflower oil.

Main Export Routes:

• Sea Transport:
  • Ports: Odesa, Chornomorsk, Pivdenny.
  • Share: 80% of exports.
  • Used for shipments to Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• Rail Transport:
  • Routes: EU countries (Poland, Hungary, Romania).
  • Share: 15% of exports.
• Road Transport:
  • Main Markets: Moldova, Slovakia, Balkan countries.
  • Share: 5% of exports.

Exporters actively use alternative routes via Romanian (Constanta) and Polish ports to minimize logistical risks.

2. Major Importing Countries of Ukrainian Sunflower Oil

In 2024, the key importers of unrefined sunflower oil from Ukraine include:

2.1. Asian Countries

• India:
  • The largest buyer, accounting for 30-35% of Ukraine’s exports. The oil is used in the food industry and for cooking.
• China:
  • Actively increasing imports, focusing on high-quality products.
• Turkey:
  • An important market for Ukrainian oil, with demand growing by 8-10% compared to 2023.

2.2. European Countries

• Spain, Italy, Netherlands:
  • Use Ukrainian oil in the food and chemical industries.
• Germany, France:
  • Stable demand due to high quality standards for Ukrainian products.

2.3. African and Middle Eastern Countries

• Egypt:
  • One of the largest consumers of unrefined oil.
• Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Tunisia:
  • Use oil both as a food product and for industrial purposes.

3. Key Players in the Global Sunflower Oil Market

The global sunflower oil market is divided among a few key countries:

Ukraine remains the leader due to the high quality of its products and developed export infrastructure.

4. Sunflower Oil Prices in 2024

In 2024, sunflower oil prices range between 850-950 USD per ton, depending on the region and logistics costs.

Prices depend on yield, demand, and transportation costs.

5. Export Logistics

• Sea Transport:
  • Advantages: Large volumes, cost-effective.
  • Disadvantages: Dependence on port stability.
• Rail Transport:
  • Used for deliveries to EU countries.
  • Advantages: Safety and stability.
  • Disadvantages: Limited volume capacity.
• Alternative Routes:
  • Use of neighboring country ports for exports.

6. Market Prospects for Sunflower Oil

In 2024, the sunflower oil market shows stable growth due to:

• Increased demand for healthy vegetable oils.
• Expanding markets in developing countries.
• Investments in Ukraine’s processing industry.