Argentina sunflower exports surge as planting area expands

Argentina’s sunflower complex is gaining momentum in 2026, with exports more than doubling in the first half of the year and stronger prices encouraging farmers to expand planted area for the 2026/27 crop.

According to Asagir’s latest outlook report, prepared by economist Jorge Ingaramo, the sector is combining a sharp increase in foreign sales with a strong processing pace and favorable planting prospects for the next cycle.

The sunflower complex generated US$2.07 billion in exports in the first half of 2026, up 128.5% from the same period last year, according to data from Argentina’s agroindustrial export monitor cited in local reports. The result made sunflower one of the fastest-growing segments in Argentina’s agroindustrial export basket.

The sector accounted for 7.7% of Argentina’s total agroindustrial shipments in the period, reinforcing its growing role as a source of foreign currency for the country’s farm economy.

Processing plants also posted strong activity. Sunflower crushing totaled 2.87 million tonnes between January and June, up 29% year over year, consolidating the historic high recorded in March.

Sunflower seed exports are also on the rise. According to Datamar, Argentina exported 2,274 TEUs in the first half of 2026, up 30%. The chart below shows the monthly volumes handled:

Sunflower Seed Exports | H1 2026 | TEUs

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Planting area set to grow

The export surge is also supporting a more optimistic outlook for the next crop. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange projects Argentina’s 2026/27 sunflower planting area at 3.0 million hectares, up 5.3% from the previous season. If confirmed, the area would represent a new record and stand 33.3% above the average of the past five cycles.

The strongest growth is expected in several key regions. The Northeast is projected to increase planted area by 11.1% and is already leading early fieldwork, with national planting progress at 9.8%. The Salado Basin is expected to expand by 15%, while western Buenos Aires and northern La Pampa could grow by 14%. Southeastern Buenos Aires is projected to increase by 8.6%.

The picture is less favorable in some central areas, where competition with corn under a potential El Niño scenario is limiting sunflower planting intentions. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange has pointed to possible area reductions in parts of Santa Fe, while Córdoba and San Luis are expected to remain more stable, depending on weather and pest pressure in corn.

Prices support farmer decisions

Market prices are also helping support the expansion. In Argentina’s spot market, the Rosario reference price reached 740,750 pesos per tonne, equivalent to about US$499.70 per tonne. At industrial terminals in San Lorenzo, spot sunflower prices reached US$520 per tonne.

Export values for sunflower oil also strengthened. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange reported a 5% increase in sunflower oil FOB prices, to US$1,379 per tonne. In Europe, CIF Rotterdam prices were quoted in a range of US$1,520 to US$1,540 per tonne.

The firmer price environment is particularly relevant for logistics and trade flows because sunflower’s growth supports demand for crushing capacity, inland transport, storage, port services and vegetable-oil export operations.

Argentina maintains global role

Globally, USDA projects sunflower supply at 62.62 million tonnes for the 2026/27 cycle. Although production is also expected to rise among Northern Hemisphere competitors, Argentina’s crop is projected at 8.0 million tonnes, up 6.7%, keeping the country in a leading position in the global sunflower market.

For exporters, crushers and logistics operators, the outlook suggests a more active sunflower export chain in the coming months. Higher production, stronger crushing and firmer vegetable-oil prices could increase cargo flows from production regions to processing hubs and export terminals.

The sector’s performance also matters for Argentina’s broader trade balance. As the country seeks additional sources of foreign currency, Argentina sunflower exports are emerging as one of the most dynamic agroindustrial segments of 2026.

Source: Asagir Outlook Report, with data from the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange and the Rosario Board of Trade

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