Argentine sunflowerseed production in 2025/26 is expected to reach a record 7M tonnes – up 50,000 tonnes from previous estimates – due to record yields and increased planted area, according to a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) report.
The nationwide average yield in 2025/26 was estimated at a record 2.3 tonnes/ha, the 6 July ‘Argentina - Oilseeds and Products Update’ said.
An expanded planted area was, in part, thanks to additional acreage in the northern growing area particularly in Chaco and Formosa provinces.
Sunflowerseed crushing was forecast up slightly to 5.4M tonnes in 2025/26, an increase of 100,000 tonnes since the USDA’s annual report on increased production.
“More than 75% of Argentina’s sunflower production is expected to once again be processed domestically and exported as value-added products although more whole sunflowerseed is forecast to be exported this year than ever,” the USDA said.
“European Union (EU) demand is driving these increased exports with difficulty sourcing from its traditional market of Ukraine.”
Although many crushing facilities in Argentina had the capability of processing multiple oilseeds, including sunflowerseed, most operators had been reluctant to switch from soyabeans due to additional costs and processes required to crush other oilseeds in the same plant, the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) report said.
“However, this dynamic is beginning to shift as sunflower[seed] crush margins remain high,” the USDA said.
These favourable margins were expected to continue into the next marketing year, according to the report.
The forecast for 2025/26 sunflowerseed exports was revised up to 1.1M tonnes from the last update, a substantial increase from the previous year driven by demand from markets in Eastern Europe including Bulgaria and Romania, which had faced higher costs and supply constraints sourcing from Ukraine.
The USDA maintained its previous forecasts for Argentine 2026/27 sunflowerseed production, planted area and yield estimates of 6.8M tonnes, 3.3M ha and 2.06 tonnes/ha respectively.
“The expected expansion in area is driven primarily by sustained favourable prices. Sunflower prices have remained attractive for three consecutive years, incentivising both existing producers and new to incorporate the crop into their rotations,” the USDA said.
“At the same time, relatively weaker corn and soyabean prices improved sunflower’s comparative profitability, particularly at times of planting decisions. Input costs will also play a critical role as sunflower’s lower fertiliser requirements make it an increasingly attractive alternative to corn, especially in an environment of persistently high or volatile fertiliser prices.”
The USDA also maintained its previous sunflowerseed crushing forecast for 2026/27 at 5.6M tonnes.
Post maintains the previous forecast from two months ago for Argentine sunflowerseed exports, estimated at 900,000 tonnes in 2026/27.
