Sunflower cultivation is crucial to the agricultural sectors of Tanzania, South Africa and Argentina. Tanzania is among the world’s top 10 sunflower producers (≈2.4% of global output), with around 250,000 smallholder households growing the crop. Argentina is the world’s 4th largest sunflower producer (about 4.0 million metric tons in 2022), while South Africa produces roughly 0.7 million tons of seeds. These production levels support sizable edible oil output: Argentina crushes ~5.0 million MT of sunflower seed annually, and Tanzania and South Africa have growing crushing/refining capacity to meet domestic and export demand. Sunflower oil from all three countries is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fats, prized by food manufacturers for its light taste and health benefits.
Tanzania has seen steady growth in sunflower oil production and processing. In 2022 Tanzania exported 3,256.8 tonnes of crude sunflower oil (HS 151211) valued at about US$7.65 million. In 2023 exports were roughly 3,508.4 tonnes (≈US$6.51M). Major buyers included Switzerland (by far the largest at ~$7.23M in 2022) and smaller volumes to the Netherlands, USA and regional neighbors. (By value, Switzerland took ~53% of Tanzania’s sunflower oil exports in 2023.) Domestic supply still falls short of demand – Tanzania meets only ~30–45% of its edible oil needs locally – so exporters offer stable, increasing volumes. Tanzania’s oil is non-GMO and often marketed as sustainably grown under sun-drenched African conditions. Investment in five large modern oil mills and several refineries in Tanzania means current crushing capacity can absorb growing seed harvests, ensuring reliable crude oil supply.
South Africa is a mature sunflower oil producer with established processing. Its seed harvest (~700,000 tonnes) gives an annual crude oil output on the order of hundreds of thousands of tonnes. However, most oil is consumed domestically. In 2022, South Africa exported 27,992.4 tonnes of crude sunflower oil (US$ 60.95 million), while in 2023 exports were much lower (about 2,780.7 tonnes, US$4.28M). Much of South Africa’s exported sunflower oil goes to neighboring markets: Botswana (~40% of exports) and Namibia (~38%) were the top destinations in 2023 (reflecting both crude and refined oils). South African oil is valued in regional markets for its consistent quality and neutrality in taste. Although exports of crude sunflower oil dipped in 2023, South Africa remains a key supplier for the Southern African region, bolstered by modern crushing plants and refineries that ensure stable production capacity.
Argentina is a global leader in sunflower oil. In 2022 Argentina exported 722,304 tonnes of crude sunflower oil (US$1.151 billion), and in 2023 it exported 818,911 tonnes (US$808.26 million). These figures made Argentina the world’s third-largest exporter of crude sunflower oil in 2023. Argentina’s large farms and efficient crushers (projected 5.3 MMT seed production in 2025/26) enable very high output. Key markets include European and Middle Eastern countries, which seek Argentina’s high-quality, non-GMO oil. The country’s ample production capacity ensures it can meet large overseas contracts: Argentine crude sunflower oil is consistently exported in the hundreds of thousands of tonnes per year, with steady values in the hundreds of millions of USD.
Global Demand: Sunflower oil demand is rising globally (especially in Europe and Asia) as it is seen as a healthy, cost-effective vegetable oil. It is high in Vitamin E and unsaturated fats, with a neutral taste ideal for cooking and food processing. With palm oil and other oils experiencing price swings, importers and food manufacturers are turning to sunflower oil for its stable quality. Tanzania, South Africa, and Argentina all offer top-grade crude sunflower oil, benefiting from fertile growing conditions and established production sectors.
Call to Action: Importers and food companies seeking reliable crude sunflower oil should consider suppliers in Tanzania, South Africa, and Argentina. These countries offer competitive pricing, high production capacity, and access to diverse markets. Contact our exporting partners to discuss supply contracts and sample deliveries. Let us help you secure high-quality sunflower oil to meet your production needs.
Adalidda supplies crude sunflower oil to importers and manufacturers worldwide. We offer bulk shipment starting at 15,000 MT, packed in 24,000 L flexitanks for safe, cost-efficient transport. For competitive quotations, specifications (COA, spec sheet) and long-term supply agreements, please contact our sales team.
Official trade and production data for crude sunflower oil in 2022–2023 (UN Comtrade/WITS); USDA and market reports on global sunflower seed/oil production; nutritional and market context.
Frontiers | Incidence of seed-borne fungi of stored sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus) in Tanzania and their influence on seed viability and vigor
Top 10 countries with the highest sunflower seed production
https://straitsresearch.com/statistic/countries-with-the-highest-sunflower-seed-production
Sunflower Oil Market Analysis_04052011 (2
https://www.grainsa.co.za/upload/report_files/Sunflower-Oil-Market-Analysis_04052011-2.pdf
Tanzania Crude sunflower-seed and safflower oil and frac exports by country | 2022 | Data
Crude sunflower-seed and safflower oil and frac exports by country |2023
Tanzania | Imports and Exports | World | Sunflower-seed, safflower, cotton-seed oi | Value (US$) and Value Growth, YoY (%) | 2012 - 2023
https://trendeconomy.com/data/h2/Tanzania/1512
Crude sunflower-seed and safflower oil and frac exports by country |2022
South Africa | Imports and Exports | World | Sunflower-seed, safflower, cotton-seed oi | Value (US$) and Value Growth, YoY (%) | 2012 - 2023
https://trendeconomy.com/data/h2/SouthAfrica/1512
Adalidda
Mrs. Susa Taing
General Manager
65 C Street 101
Phnom-Penh
Cambodia
WhatsApp/Telegram: +85569247974
Email: info@adalidda.com
