Turkey significantly increased sunflower imports due to domestic shortages

Source: APKinform (Ukraine)

Between January and March 2025, Turkey saw a substantial rise in its sunflower seed imports due to a shortage in domestic supplies, reaching a record high of 396,000 tons – an increase of 4.3 times compared to the 92,000 tons imported during the same period in 2024, as reported by Oil World.

During this timeframe, the primary exporters of oilseeds to Turkey were Romania, which supplied 201,000 tons (up from 21,000 tons the previous year), and Moldova, which delivered 168,000 tons compared to 28,000 tons earlier.

Sunflower oil imports into Turkey totaled 308,000 tons over the period, with Russia providing the majority at 211,000 tons, followed by Ukraine with 54,000 tons.

Imports of sunflower meal also rose sharply, reaching 367,000 tons, nearly all of which – 356,000 tons – were acquired from the Russian Federation.

Despite increasing domestic demand, Turkey continued to export significant quantities of sunflower oil. In the first quarter of 2025, export volumes matched those of the previous year at 186,000 tons. The key export markets included Ethiopia, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and various countries within the European Union.