HS Code:
The category of Sunflower-seed, safflower, or cottonseed oil, and fractions thereof, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified (HS Code: 1512) includes crude and refined oils derived from sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cottonseeds. These oils are primarily used for cooking, food processing, and industrial applications such as in cosmetics and biofuels. This category excludes oils that have been chemically modified. Global trade in this category is influenced by agricultural production capacities, dietary preferences, and industrial demand.
Total Trade Volume
USD 25.6 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 5.8 billion
22.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 3.9 billion
15.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.1 billion
8.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.5 billion
5.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.2 billion
4.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
6.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
30% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU internal trade or USMCA)
Rising demand for healthier cooking oils
Increased preference for sunflower oil due to its high unsaturated fat content, driving export growth from major producers like Ukraine and Russia.
2021-2022
Growth in biofuel production
Higher demand for cottonseed and safflower oil as feedstock for biodiesel, particularly in the EU and North America.
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions
Geopolitical tensions and weather-related issues in key producing regions have led to price volatility and trade shifts.
2022
The ongoing conflict has disrupted sunflower oil exports from Ukraine and Russia, the two largest exporters, leading to global supply shortages and price spikes.
February 2022 onwards
Increased trade opportunities for alternative suppliers like Argentina and Turkey, while importing countries face higher costs.
New EU regulations focusing on sustainability and traceability in vegetable oil supply chains have imposed stricter standards on imports.
January 2023
Exporters must invest in compliance measures, potentially increasing costs but also opening markets for certified sustainable products.
India, a major importer, reduced tariffs on sunflower oil to combat domestic shortages and inflation in edible oil prices.
March 2022
Boosted imports from Ukraine and Russia before the conflict escalated, shifting to other suppliers post-conflict.