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Argentina achieved a historic sunflower harvest during the 2026/27 marketing year, with total output estimated between 6.8 million and 8 million tons. While the USDA reports production at the lower end of 6.8 million tons, Oil World estimates a more robust figure of 8 million tons. This represents a significant year-on-year increase of 23% to 45% compared to the previous season.
Consequently, Argentina now accounts for 12.8% of global sunflower seed production, firmly establishing itself as the world's third-largest producer after Russia and Ukraine. This supply surge has allowed the nation to aggressively strengthen its foothold in the global sunflower oil market, with a particular focus on expanding its presence in India.
In a major shift in trade dynamics, Argentina surpassed Ukraine as the leading sunflower oil supplier to India for the first time during the comparable period, exporting 530,000 tons compared to Ukraine's 344,000 tons. This milestone highlights the intensifying competition among major sunflower oil exporters in one of the world's most critical import destinations.
Argentina's share of global sunflower oil exports jumped from 7% in 2016/17 to 13% in 2026/27, fueled by abundant raw material supplies and highly competitive pricing. Current offer prices to India range between $1,250 and $1,300 per ton CIF Mumbai, making it an attractive option for local importers. Furthermore, quality remains a key advantage; Argentine oil boasts a low average acid value of 0.45 mg KOH/g, outperforming Russian oil from the Kuban region, which averages 0.66 mg KOH/g. The combination of record yields and superior quality is reshaping the global competitive landscape.
Source: UkrAgroConsult