In March, Ukraine exported a record volume of sunflower oil since the beginning of the season

Additional demand was generated by Middle Eastern countries looking for alternative logistics routes due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

In March 2026, Ukraine exported 427 thousand tons of sunflower oil, which is 18% more than in February. This was reported by the Electronic Grain Exchange.

This is the largest monthly figure since the beginning of the current marketing year. At the same time, in annual terms, the volume of supplies was 3% lower than in March 2025.

The most noticeable growth in exports was recorded in Middle Eastern destinations. In particular, supplies to Jordan increased by 7.7 times – to 35 thousand tons, to Turkey – by 2.4 times, to 40 thousand tons, and to Saudi Arabia – by 14 times, to 15 thousand tons.

At the same time, the dynamics were weaker in other markets in the region. Exports to the UAE decreased by 32%, to Qatar by 85%, and there were no deliveries to Iraq at all in March.

Analysts attribute the increased demand from some Middle Eastern countries to the situation around the Strait of Hormuz. Due to shipping restrictions and disruptions in the work of ports and transshipment terminals, importers were forced to look for alternative supply channels, in particular by land through neighboring countries with access to the Red Sea.

As a result, exports of Ukrainian sunflower oil to Middle Eastern countries, including Turkey, almost doubled in March compared to February and reached 106.6 thousand tons. This is the highest figure since June 2025.

Against the backdrop of the US and Israeli war against Iran, prices for sunflower oil also increased – from $1,250 to $1,300 per ton delivered to Ukrainian ports. This also supported the raw materials market: the increase in oil prices stimulated an increase in sunflower prices and an increase in processing volumes.

Analysts expect that in April the seasonal growth in sunflower supplies will continue, and export demand for sunflower oil will remain high due to the rise in oil prices, as well as the increase in prices for palm and soybean oil.

Also, the day before, USM wrote that Ukraine officially opened the export of flour to China.