Introduction – United States’s Refined Sunflower Oil Market: A Quantitative Overview
Let’s kick things off with the bigger picture: the refined sunflower oil market in the United States is not just growing—it’s evolving rapidly.
As of 2024, the U.S. produced around 263,000 tons of sunflower-seed and safflower oil, a 7.2% increase from the previous year. This makes the U.S. the second-largest global producer, right behind China’s massive 11 million tons. That’s no small feat. With 8% of the global output under its belt, the U.S. is clearly a key player in this space. (IndexBox)
But here’s the twist: even though the U.S. is producing more, it’s also importing more. In 2024, imports hit 222,000 tons—up 4.9% from 2023. Ukraine, Mexico, and Spain led the charge, supplying over 60% of that volume. When it comes to exports, however, things took a dip. The U.S. exported just 42,000 tons in 2024, a sharp 36.3% drop from the previous year. Canada soaked up the majority, importing 28,000 tons.
Despite the export slowdown, the future looks bright. The refined sunflower oil market in the U.S. is forecasted to grow at a steady 2.9% CAGR, reaching a valuation of $931 million by 2035.
Globally, this sector is booming. Projections show the global sunflower oil market jumping from $24.72 billion in 2025 to a stunning $37.74 billion by 2032. Europe leads the charge, accounting for 33.53% of global consumption in 2024.
Big names like Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Bunge Limited, and Cargill, Inc. dominate the U.S. landscape. These companies bring not just volume, but also robust supply chains and global reach that shape the market.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
To fully understand the supplier landscape, it helps to look at the numbers behind the scenes.
In 2024, the U.S. produced about 5.5 million tons of refined sunflower-seed or safflower oil, representing a massive 88% of North America’s total production. While this was a slight dip from the previous year, it still highlights the country’s production strength.
Imports surged by 16%, totaling 197,000 tons in 2024. That’s a clear sign that domestic demand is outpacing supply. The U.S. alone was responsible for 70% of Northern America’s total imports.
And that demand? It shows up in real-time through platforms like Freshdi. Buyers frequently post RFQs (requests for quotations) for refined sunflower oil, reflecting the ongoing need for reliable, high-quality supply. These trends help forecast demand surges and enable smarter sourcing strategies.
Top 10 Verified Refined Sunflower Oil Suppliers in United States – Proven Export Performers
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Based on verified export data, buyer reviews, certifications, and global trade history on Freshdi, these are the top 10 refined sunflower oil suppliers in the U.S. for Q3 2025:
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The Inner City Trading
Known for consistent export volumes and high product quality. Their refined sunflower oil meets international food-grade standards. -
Agriculture Parts Pro Inc
A reputable supplier with strong B2B relationships across North America and Europe, particularly in the organic oil segment. -
JOHN LIVESTOCK FARM
Offers refined vegetable oils with a focus on traceability and non-GMO certifications. -
DCR Harvest LLC
Specializes in premium, non-GMO refined sunflower oil for health-conscious markets. -
Gerardjoseph LLC
A global export powerhouse with a focus on sustainable and bulk supply solutions. -
Kore20 LLC
Known for their fast turnaround times and reliable international logistics. -
Exotic Ceylon Gems
Despite the name, they’re a major player in edible oils, offering bulk refined sunflower oil for commercial use. -
Tradingcth Llc
Supplies Ukrainian-origin refined sunflower oil, leveraging strong ties with Eastern European producers.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Keep in mind, platforms like Freshdi offer dynamic supplier rankings—such as “Top Supplier of the Month”—based on recent RFQ fulfillment rates, buyer feedback, and shipment consistency. So, these rankings could shift as new data comes in.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Understanding the market isn’t just about who’s selling—it’s about when, why, and for how much.
Trending Variants & Demand Shifts
Refined sunflower oil comes in multiple variants: non-GMO, organic, cold-pressed, and high-oleic types. Based on current RFQ trends on Freshdi, demand is surging for organic and non-GMO options, especially from health-focused food companies and restaurant chains.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
2024 and 2025 have been rollercoaster years for prices.
- Q2 2024: $959 per metric ton
- Q4 2024: $1,120 per metric ton
- Q1 2025: Peaked at $1,250 per metric ton in March
- Q2 2025: Slight correction to $1,222 per metric ton
The reasons? A mix of supply chain hiccups, climate unpredictability, and rising input costs. Buyers who locked in contracts early in the year saw major cost savings.
Forecast & Global Dynamics
Looking forward, analysts predict prices will rise around 3–5% over the next 12 months. Why? Geopolitical tensions, weather disruptions, and surging demand across Asia and the Middle East.
Some interesting global shifts are also in play:
- Egypt is cutting down sunflower oil imports, going all-in on soybean processing.
- India might hike import duties on vegetable oils to support local producers—potentially shaking up global trade flows.
These shifts could mean more U.S. exports or new regional players emerging.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
If you’re a buyer or distributor navigating the U.S. refined sunflower oil market, here’s your cheat sheet:
- The U.S. is a major producer, but demand often exceeds supply.
- Imports are rising, especially from Ukraine, Mexico, and Spain.
- Exports dipped in 2024, but Canada remains a key market.
- Prices are volatile, so timing and contract terms matter more than ever.
Platforms like Freshdi are game changers. Not only do they list verified suppliers, but they also offer real-time RFQ insights, trade analytics, and supplier performance rankings. Whether you’re a procurement manager or a small food processor, these tools help you make smarter, faster, and more profitable decisions.
Checklist for Smart Buyers
- ✅ Verify supplier certifications (e.g., FDA, HACCP, ISO)
- ✅ Review export volumes and historical performance
- ✅ Compare price trends by season before locking deals
- ✅ Use platforms like Freshdi to post RFQs and receive competitive offers
- ✅ Monitor global market news and import-export regulatory changes
Future Outlook
With projected market growth and increased demand for health-conscious oils, refined sunflower oil is poised to remain a hot commodity. Suppliers that innovate—whether through sustainability, packaging, or logistics—will lead the charge. And buyers who stay informed will gain the edge.
Freshdi will continue to play a critical role—offering verified supplier directories, market trend reports, and dynamic ranking tools to keep businesses ahead of the curve.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between refined and unrefined sunflower oil?
Refined sunflower oil goes through a purification process that removes impurities, color, and odor, making it ideal for high-heat cooking. Unrefined oil retains more nutrients but has a shorter shelf life and lower smoke point.
2. Why are prices for sunflower oil so volatile?
Prices fluctuate due to global supply chain issues, seasonal production, geopolitical events, and changing consumer demand—especially for organic or non-GMO variants.
3. How do I know if a supplier is reliable?
Use platforms like Freshdi to check supplier certifications, export history, and verified buyer reviews.
4. Which U.S. states are leading in sunflower oil production?
States like North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota are known for sunflower farming and contribute significantly to domestic oil production.
5. Can small businesses benefit from using B2B platforms like Freshdi?
Absolutely. Freshdi allows even small buyers to connect with verified suppliers, post RFQs, and compare offers—opening doors to better pricing and quality.
