Ukraine Maintains Leadership in Sunflower Oil Market in the EU in 2025–2026

Ukraine has once again confirmed its status as the main supplier of sunflower oil to European Union countries, maintaining a leading position in this market.

This is reported by AgroReview

Export Volumes and Ukraine’s Share

According to data from the European Commission, from July 2025 to February 2026, EU-27 countries imported approximately 1.04 million tons of sunflower oil. This is less than in the same period last year, when supplies reached 1.28 million tons. Ukraine accounted for the majority of this volume, sending 0.95 million tons of sunflower oil to the EU, which constituted nearly 92% of the total import volume of this product.

“Of this volume, Ukraine sent 0.95 million tons of sunflower oil to the EU. According to a study by Agrarmarkt Informations-Gesellschaft, this accounted for nearly 92% of the market. However, supplies are significantly lower than the previous year’s level (1.2 million tons) due to a reduction in raw materials.”

Despite maintaining its leadership position, supplies from Ukraine have decreased compared to last year (1.2 million tons), which is related to a reduction in raw materials for oil production.

Reasons for Export Decline and Market Situation

According to analytical data, in 2025, Ukraine’s sunflower seed harvest decreased from 13 million tons in 2024 to 10.5 million tons. The reduction in harvest led to decreased processing volumes and limited the country’s export potential for sunflower oil. Additionally, Russia’s attacks on port infrastructure have negatively impacted logistics capabilities, although market reports indicate that export flows have gradually stabilized.

Moldova and Serbia remain in second and third place among sunflower oil suppliers to the EU, providing 5% and just under 2% of the market, respectively. Meanwhile, import volumes from Moldova have increased year-on-year, while supplies from Serbia have remained low compared to last year.