Ukraine. Ending stocks of sunflower seed and soybeans remain at a record high, despite export shipments recovery

Oilseed sector through restored and newly created supply chains have been growing since March 2022. The main exportable products were sunflower seed, sunflower oil, sunflower meal and soybeans.

The ending stocks of sunflower seed and soybeans are once again adjusted downwards. However, they remain at a record high, putting additional pressure on prices.

Contrary to expectations, sunflower seed demand from Europe remains high until the end of the season. The unblocking of ports has also boosted oilseed sales in the coastal regions, which is currently pushing prices up.

Concerning 2022 crop, UkrAgroConsult takes as a basis the oilseed areas reported by Ukraine’s Ministry of Agricultural Policy. However, the estimated areas for harvesting remain somewhat below the official estimates. Due to the war-related risks, there is an unusually huge gap between planted and harvested areas.

As before, the balances are based on an optimistic scenario regarding the unblocking of ports and the resumption of work of major crushing plants. The launch of the “grain corridor” gives hope that it is the optimistic scenario which will come true.