Sunflower and Sesame Seed Market Report 17.08.26
Sunflower Seed
Sunflower seed markets have continued to feel pressure on current crop availability. There is very little material remaining available for prompt shipment. Many packers have now stepped back from offering nearby positions, with attention increasingly turning towards the new crop.
The outlook for the 2026 crop is more positive, with Bulgaria and Romania both expected to produce strong volumes. However, with virtually no carryover stocks from the 2025 crop, the market is likely to remain well supported. This is until new crop material becomes more widely available around November/December.
Weather conditions across the Balkan region remain favourable for crop development. Although planting was delayed earlier in the season, conditions will need to be monitored closely. Any adverse weather during the final stages of development could quickly impact the overall crop outlook. While some easing is expected as new crop supply enters the market, prices are unlikely to return to the levels seen two to three years ago.
Sesame Seed
The Sesame seed market remains firm, with limited carryover stocks and reduced availability of summer crop material continuing to support prices. While end-user demand has remained relatively steady, the current market is showing strong performance. This strength is being driven mainly by tighter supply rather than a significant increase in consumption.
India’s summer crop stocks are now largely exhausted, with the market looking ahead to the main harvest period later in the year. Weather will remain the key factor to watch over the coming weeks. The progress of the Indian monsoon and crop conditions across major producing regions are likely to influence market direction.
With global inventories remaining relatively tight, any adverse weather developments or delays to new crop availability could quickly impact sentiment. Some changes to global trade flows are also possible following recent tariff developments, potentially creating shifts in origin demand. Overall, the market is expected to remain well supported until fresh crop supply becomes available.
