However, even under current conditions, the volume remains far below the real industrial potential of the country’s oil and fat industry.
“The price dynamics confirms the quantitative and cost recovery of export commodity flow that started in the current marketing season,” says expert Iurie Rija. – The average export price of sunflower oil from RM amounted to 22.20 lei/kg, which is higher than the level (21.40 lei/kg) in the 2024-25 season. And even higher compared to the failed 2023-24 season (average of only 14.70 lei/kg).
In value terms, oil exports brought the country revenues of 1.484 billion lei. However, this amount is five times less than the income received from sunflower (raw material) exports during the same period – 6.881 billion lei.
Imbalance between raw material and processing
A significant part of raw materials is still exported, bypassing the local processing industry. Out of a total of about 788,000 tons exported in various forms (raw material, oil and meal), about 632,000 tons were exported in the form of raw sunflower. Only 156 thousand tons were used in processed form, only 20%.
Compared to the previous season, the structure of the industry’s external supplies did improve. At that time the imbalance was much more severe: 93% of exports were in the form of raw materials and only 7% were processed products.
If we look at the situation in dynamics, we can note that in previous seasons, especially in the period 2022-24, the structure was in favor of processing. In the 2022-23 season, the share of processed products reached 63% and in 2023-24. – 52%. This means that most of the crop was used domestically, while high value-added products were exported.
Traders have an advantage over processors
Currently, traders are more competitive in sunflower procurement than processors, offering more attractive prices and commercial terms. This determines the orientation of a significant share of volumes towards export of raw materials.
At the same time, as of March 1, about 780 thousand tons of sunflower from the crop-2025 were supplied to foreign markets. Thus, the available stocks are depleting, and at the moment, under an optimistic scenario, the country has no more than 150-200 thousand tons of sunflower.
In the current season, for the first time, the export destinations of sunflower oil were exclusively European Union countries. The leader among buyers was Italy – 30.52 thousand tons (average price 21.94 lei/kg). France (11.85 thousand tons) and Romania (10.47 thousand tons) followed.
This restructuring of supply routes is especially relevant, as in previous years oil exports were mainly oriented to the Middle East countries.
