Introduction – Thailand’s Sunflower Market: A Quantitative Overview
Thailand may not be the world’s sunflower powerhouse, but it’s quietly carving out a niche role in the regional market. In 2022, the country produced around 27,000 metric tons of sunflower seeds—an 8% increase from the previous year. While that’s modest compared to giants like Romania or China, it shows steady growth and resilience in a volatile global market.
When we look at export data from 2023, Thailand shipped out 338,312 kilograms of sunflower seeds, worth $423,250 USD. Its biggest buyers? The Philippines, Myanmar, China, Indonesia, and Singapore. However, this was a slight drop from 2022’s 436,860 kg and $447,000. Still, these exports underline Thailand’s importance in the ASEAN region as a reliable sunflower supplier.
Similarly, Thailand exported over 1.3 million kilograms of refined sunflower-seed and safflower oil in 2023, valued at $2.72 million, with Myanmar and Vietnam as leading buyers.
Given these numbers, it’s clear that Thailand is not aiming to flood the global market but rather to serve high-quality, niche demands—a smart strategy for businesses looking for specialized, reliable sunflower suppliers.
Platforms like Freshdi make it easier for buyers to tap into this niche market by offering real-time RFQ trends, supplier verification, and market analytics to help with smarter sourcing.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
Let’s break down the numbers.
Production Snapshot
- 2022: 27,000 metric tons (↑8% from 2021)
- Peak: 50,600 metric tons in 2000
- Lowest: 9,080 metric tons in 2015
Exports in 2023
- Total Volume: 338,312 kg
- Total Value: $423,250
- Top Destinations:
- Philippines: $148,310 (199,100 kg)
- Myanmar: $105,980 (15,027 kg)
- China: $80,570 (33,868 kg)
- Indonesia: $40,220 (55,990 kg)
- Singapore: $13,910 (6,954 kg)
Refined Sunflower Oil Exports (2023)
- Volume: 1,320,360 kg
- Value: $2.72 million
- Top Destinations:
- Myanmar: $2.42 million (1.13 million kg)
- Vietnam: $139,630 (75,000 kg)
- Lao PDR: $111,180 (83,587 kg)
- Cambodia: $34,790 (17,372 kg)
- Indonesia: $6,970 (3,800 kg)
This data shows a strong regional demand, especially in Southeast Asia. According to RFQ trends from Freshdi, inquiries for refined sunflower oil have consistently come from buyers in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
These demand signals align with the export performance, confirming that Thailand’s sunflower sector, while small globally, is strategically focused and regionally strong.
Top 3 Verified Sunflower Suppliers in Thailand – Proven Export Performers
Sourcing quality sunflower products in Thailand isn’t just about price—it’s about reliability, export history, certifications, and buyer reviews. Based on export data, performance insights, and user feedback on Freshdi, here are the Top 3 Sunflower Suppliers in Thailand in July 2025:
1. A.E.C. Canning Co., Ltd.
- Specialty: Sunflower oil used in canned tuna products.
- Strengths: HACCP-certified, strong export presence in Southeast Asia.
- Why It Ranks: Combines sunflower oil processing with seafood exports, offering unique bundled value for importers.
2. J BLUE TOKYO CO., LTD.
- Specialty: Refined sunflower cooking oil.
- Strengths: Premium packaging, consistent supply timelines, and strong Freshdi reviews.
- Why It Ranks: High product purity and transparent logistics make it a favorite among commercial kitchen supply chains.
3. Mangmee Enterprise Company Limited
- Specialty: Wholesale refined sunflower oil.
- Strengths: Competitive pricing, scalable for bulk orders.
- Why It Ranks: Known for excellent B2B responsiveness and flexible MOQ options.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Freshdi regularly updates supplier rankings based on monthly RFQ activity, buyer feedback, and fulfillment metrics. So while these are the top suppliers in July 2025, next month’s standouts could shift based on performance and market demand.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Navigating Thailand’s sunflower market isn’t just about finding the lowest price. It’s about timing, quality, and understanding demand cycles.
Demand Trends
- Refined sunflower oil remains the most requested variant.
- Bulk RFQs surge in Q1 and Q3, aligning with import cycles in Myanmar and Vietnam.
- Freshdi’s RFQ analytics show that health-conscious product lines (e.g., cholesterol-free, cold-pressed oils) are gaining traction.
Price Fluctuations
- Prices tend to dip after harvest season (late Q2), making it the best time to lock in contracts.
- Seasonal spikes occur in November–January, when regional festivals increase cooking oil demand.
Purchasing Strategy Tips
- Use Freshdi’s RFQ tracker to monitor when buyer interest peaks.
- Consider contract-based sourcing with top suppliers to lock in prices during off-peak seasons.
- Leverage historical trends to forecast demand in your target markets.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
Thailand may not dominate the global sunflower market, but it plays a critical, consistent role in the regional trade landscape. With steady production, targeted exports, and a growing emphasis on refined sunflower oil, Thai suppliers offer reliability and scalability for discerning importers.
When sourcing, it’s essential to look beyond just price. Assess supplier track records, export volumes, and market reviews. Platforms like Freshdi make this easy by providing:
– Verified supplier profiles
– Real-time RFQ trends
– Export analytics
– Buyer feedback and rankings
By combining data-driven insights with strategic timing, you can unlock better deals, build stronger supplier relationships, and stay ahead in the competitive sunflower market.
Key Takeaways
- Thailand exported over 338,000 kg of sunflower seeds and 1.3 million kg of refined sunflower oil in 2023.
- The top 3 sunflower suppliers in July 2025 are A.E.C. Canning Co., Ltd., J BLUE TOKYO CO., LTD., and Mangmee Enterprise Company Limited.
- Seasonal trends and RFQ data from Freshdi show Q2 and Q3 as optimal sourcing periods.
- Freshdi empowers buyers with dynamic supplier rankings, market insights, and negotiation tools.
Sourcing Checklist for Sunflower Buyers
✅ Check supplier export history and certifications
✅ Use Freshdi to compare RFQ trends and pricing
✅ Schedule purchases post-harvest for better rates
✅ Prioritize suppliers with positive feedback and reliable logistics
✅ Stay updated on Freshdi’s monthly supplier rankings
Future Outlook
Looking ahead to 2026, domestic consumption in Thailand is expected to rise to 27,810 metric tons. That means more local competition for raw sunflower materials. Importers should establish reliable contracts now to lock in access before local demand drives prices higher.
Also, expect more Thai suppliers to pivot towards health-focused sunflower oil variants, responding to global trends. If you’re in the business of organic, cholesterol-free, or cold-pressed oils, Thailand will be an increasingly attractive sourcing destination.
How Platforms Like Freshdi Empower Buyers
Freshdi isn’t just a B2B marketplace—it’s your data-savvy sourcing assistant. Here’s how it helps:
– Aggregates supplier performance metrics
– Tracks regional RFQ volumes
– Offers real-time market insights
– Updates supplier rankings monthly
– Supports direct communication and negotiation
Whether you’re a first-time importer or a seasoned wholesaler, Freshdi gives you the edge you need to make smarter, faster, and more profitable sourcing decisions.
References
- Helgi Library – Sunflower Seed Production in Thailand
- WITS – Thailand Export Data 2023
- WITS – Global Export Data 2023
- TrendEconomy – Export of Sunflower Oil from Thailand
- Freshdi Blog – Top Sunflower Oil Suppliers in Thailand
FAQs
1. Why is Thailand a good sourcing country for sunflower oil?
Because of its stable production, competitive regional pricing, and consistent export relationships, especially within ASEAN.
2. When is the best time to buy sunflower oil from Thailand?
Right after the harvest season—typically Q2—when supply is high and prices are lower.
3. How can I verify Thai sunflower suppliers?
Use platforms like Freshdi that offer verified supplier profiles, export histories, and buyer reviews.
4. What are the trending sunflower products in Thailand?
Refined cooking oil, cold-pressed sunflower oil, and sunflower oil blends with added health claims like cholesterol-free formulations.
5. Can small businesses buy in smaller quantities from Thai suppliers?
Yes, many suppliers on Freshdi offer flexible MOQs and support for small to mid-sized businesses.
