How the Cancellation of Export Duties Affected the Oilseed Market in Ukraine
At the beginning of 2026, the oilseed market in Ukraine is showing significant dynamics, particularly in the sunflower segment. Within just one week, domestic prices for this crop have increased by $30-40, a result of the rising cost of vegetable oils globally and increasing competition among domestic processing enterprises for raw materials.
This is reported by AgroReview
Increased Competition After Duty Cancellation
As of January 1, 2026, the export of sunflowers from Ukraine to EU countries is no longer subject to duties, which has affected the balance between domestic processing and export. From now on, Ukrainian processors must compete more actively with exporters for raw materials. According to the latest data, the price index for sunflowers delivered to factories has reached $665 including VAT. Meanwhile, in the country’s ports, sunflower oil is trading at around $1,300, and on global markets — up to $1,380 per ton. Additional support for global quotations comes from the USDA report, which has lowered the oil production forecast due to poor harvests in Russia and Argentina.
“As of January 1, 2026, the export of sunflowers from Ukraine to the EU is no longer subject to duties, which intensifies competition between domestic processing and export. Now domestic processors must compete more actively for goods with exporters.”
Situation with Rapeseed and Soybeans
The rapeseed market remains more stable. Since the beginning of the season, Ukraine has already exported 1.45 million tons of this crop, while domestic processing has reached about 948 thousand tons. Experts estimate the total harvest at 3.2 million tons, meaning that by the end of the season, there will still be about 800 thousand tons of rapeseed left in the country. Average prices for rapeseed in ports range from $535 to $550. Despite the limited margins for rapeseed processing, quotations on the MATIF exchange are gradually recovering after a previous decline at the end of last year.
The soybean market is experiencing moderate growth in domestic prices. The soybean price index in ports has risen to $424 per ton, while for processors it has reached $454 including VAT. According to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, since July 2025, Ukraine has already exported 1.7 million tons of soybeans. The total harvest is estimated at 5 million tons, allowing for the sale or processing of about 3 million tons more. At the same time, a decrease in soybean prices is expected in the global market in the spring due to a record harvest forecast in Brazil — up to 178 million tons, which creates additional pressure on prices.