Ukraine imports seeds mostly from EU and USA in 2024

This information was shared by the National Research Center “Institute of Agrarian Economics,” Ukrinform reports.

“Ukraine imported seeds of grains, oilseeds, sugar beets, and vegetables valued at $381.3 million in total. The majority of these supplies—52.5%—came from EU member states, which sold seeds worth over $200 million to Ukrainian farmers. The United States accounted for 19% of imports, with a total value of $72.6 million,” the report says.

Sunflower seeds constituted 81.5% (17.4 thsd t) of Ukraine’s oilseed imports, alongside 4.1 thsd t of rapeseed and 0.7 thsd t of soybeans. Overall, grains and oilseeds accounted for 80% of Ukraine’s seed imports, with sunflower seeds representing 55% of their total value. Last year, Ukraine spent $211.1 million on sunflower seeds alone.

The majority of sunflower seeds were supplied by the United States (5.5 thsd t worth $72.5 million, or 34.3%) and Turkey (7.9 thsd t worth $85.7 million, or 40.6%). Smaller amounts came from France (1.9 thsd t worth $24.8 million, or 11.7%), Italy (0.6 thsd t worth $4.7 million, or 2.2%), and Hungary (0.4 thsd t worth $5 million, or 2.4%).

In 2024, only 10% of Ukraine’s total seed imports—equivalent to $41.4 million—was spent on corn seeds. France emerged as the leading supplier, providing 2.7 thsd t valued at $19.8 million (47.8%). Other key suppliers included Romania (1.7 thsd t for $6.4 million, 15.5%), Austria (1.6 thsd t for $7.5 million, 18.1%), and Hungary (1.1 thsd t for $3.9 million, 9.5%), with smaller contributions from Germany (68 t for $1 million) and Italy (131 t for $0.4 million).

Soybean seed imports amounted to $2.9 million, with Canada being the primary source, supplying 270 t (38% of total imports). Additional suppliers included Austria (186 t), Romania (119 t), and France (89 t).

Rapeseed imports saw a significant rise compared to the previous year, reaching $45.2 million. Germany was the leading supplier, exporting 1.7 thsd t worth $17.6 million (38.9%), followed by France (1.1 thsd t for $12.4 million, 27.4%), Spain (0.9 thsd t for $11.7 million, 25.9%), and, for the first time, New Zealand, which provided 209 t valued at $1.9 million.

The import volume of niche crop seeds, including sorghum, flax, hemp, and mustard, continues to grow. The primary suppliers of these seeds are European Union countries, particularly France, Germany, and Denmark.

Access to seeds from the world's leading producers enables Ukraine's breeding and seed production industries to compete effectively on international markets, paving the way for future development and expansion into Europe and America, according to scientists.

As reported, in January-February 2025, corn emerged as Ukraine's most exported commodity.

Photo credit: OPP