Ukraine is increasing exports of sunflower meal to China as the Chinese market changes its supplier structure. The shift creates new opportunities for Ukrainian oilseed processors and weakens the position of some competitors on international markets.
Analysts point to higher Chinese imports of sunflower meal in the 2025 and 2026 marketing season. One factor was a temporary halt in supplies of Canadian canola meal, which created a gap and gave alternative suppliers more room.
Opportunity for processors
Ukraine, together with Kazakhstan, used the opening to expand its presence in China. For Ukrainian producers, the trend confirms that sunflower meal is not only a by-product of oil processing, but also a strategic export commodity for feed and processing industries.
The advantage depends on quality, stable logistics and the ability to respond quickly when market conditions change. Processing plants, exporters, ports and rail operators all become part of the same competitiveness chain.
For the broader agribusiness sector, China’s demand is a signal to keep investing in modern oilseed processing, storage and export infrastructure. A stronger position in this niche can support farmers, processors and transport companies at the same time.
