Sunflower seed prices start growing in Ukraine, as exports to Bulgaria resume

MOSCOW. Dec 27 (Interfax) - Sunflower seed prices on the Ukrainian market are back to 13,500-14,000 hryvni per tonne, as they were in early December, Ukrainian media said, citing the APK-Inform information analysis agency.

"Despite a decline in prices on the sunflower oil export market, the need for replenishing raw materials and the growing competition with exporters make processing companies raise purchase prices," the analysts said.

As of December 25, bid prices of processing enterprises grew to 13,500-14,000 hryvni per tonne CPT, or even 14,500 hryvni per tonne on the same terms in the western and southern regions, they said.

Meanwhile, processing enterprises note that the decline in prices observed before the growth has significantly reduced the oilseed supply on the market. Agrarians continue to restrain sales, expecting an increase in demand and prices after the resumption of sunflower exports to Bulgaria.

"Ukrainian oilseed exports to Bulgaria are just resuming and are not expected to happen before January when the licenses, which are being applied for, are approved," APK-Inform said.