2025 Argentina Sunflower Seed Oil (HS 1512) Export: Volatile Surge

Key Takeaways

Sunflower Seed Oil, classified under HS Code 1512 (Sunflower-seed, safflower or cotton-seed oil and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified), exhibited high volatility from January to September 2025.

• Market Pulse: Export values surged to a peak of $387.6 million in April before collapsing 64% in May, then partially recovering to $285.1 million by September, reflecting policy-driven instability.
• Structural Shift: Argentina Sunflower Seed Oil Export relies heavily on India (42.3% of value), creating concentrated risk, while secondary markets like Iraq and the UAE show divergent demand patterns (quality vs. bulk).
• Product Logic: HS Code 1512 trade data reveals crude sunflower oil dominates (75%+ share), with unit prices ranging from $1.88 to $23.89/kg, signaling a commodity-driven market where scale trumps specialization.

This overview covers the period from January to September 2025 and is based on verified customs data from the yTrade database.

Argentina Sunflower Seed Oil (HS Code 1512) Key Metrics Trend

Market Trend Summary

The Argentina Sunflower Seed Oil Export trend from January to September 2025 showed pronounced volatility, beginning with a strong Q1 surge before entering a period of erratic movement. Exports opened at $105.5 million in January, then tripled to $317.9 million in February and climbed further to a peak of $387.6 million by April. However, May witnessed a sharp 64% collapse to $139.6 million, followed by a partial recovery in June and a stronger rebound to $285.1 million by September. The overall trajectory reflects a market that built early momentum but faced significant mid-year disruption.

Drivers & Industry Context

The export value derived from HS Code 1512 was heavily influenced by Argentina's major agricultural policy shift in July 2025, when the government enacted permanent cuts to export taxes on oilseeds and related products [KPMG]. This reform, detailed in a USDA report, aimed to boost competitiveness and likely supported the rebound in June and September shipments after May's steep decline [USDA FAS]. While a separate September decree introduced a temporary 0% duty window, its annex primarily covered goods other than sunflower oil, limiting its direct impact on HS 1512 value (KPMG). The overall volatility aligns with adjustments in supply chains and export declarations following these fiscal changes.

Table: Argentina Sunflower Seed Oil Export Trend (Source: yTrade)

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Argentina HS Code 1512 Export Breakdown

Market Composition & Top Categories

Crude sunflower seed oil, not chemically modified, dominates Argentina's HS Code 1512 exports, accounting for over three-quarters of the total value. According to yTrade data, this category saw the highest shipment frequency and weight share, reinforcing its central role in Argentina HS Code 1512 Export. The remaining sub-codes consist primarily of refined sunflower seed oils and minor vegetable oil variants, collectively making up a smaller portion of the trade.

Value Chain & Strategic Insights

Unit prices vary widely from 1.88 to 23.89 USD per kilogram, with crude oils averaging around 3.76 USD/kg, indicating a commodity market where bulk pricing drives most transactions. The HS Code 1512 breakdown reveals a trade structure centered on raw materials, with limited high-value specialization except for niche, low-volume products. This suggests exporters should focus on cost efficiency and volume to compete effectively in this price-sensitive environment.

Table: Argentina HS Code 1512) Export Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

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Argentina Sunflower Seed Oil Destination Countries

Geographic Concentration & Market Risk

India dominates Argentina's Sunflower Seed Oil export destinations, capturing 42.3% of total value from January to September 2025. This heavy reliance on a single market creates significant exposure to demand shifts or policy changes from New Delhi. While Iraq is a notable secondary partner at 14.1%, the export structure lacks diversification, making the trade flow vulnerable to concentrated risk.

Purchasing Behavior & Demand Segmentation

India's value share (42.3%) substantially outpaces its weight share (34.3%), confirming quality-conscious demand for high-value Sunflower Seed Oil specifications. Conversely, the United Arab Emirates shows a reverse pattern (3.5% value vs. 5.4% weight), indicating price-sensitive bulk shipments, while the United States' high frequency (7.8%) against minimal weight (1.8%) reveals fragmented, retail-driven orders. This mix offers Argentina both margin potential in primary markets and volume scale in secondary ones among its trade partners for Sunflower Seed Oil.

Table: Argentina Sunflower Seed Oil (HS Code 1512) Top Destination Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Action Plan for Sunflower Seed Oil Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify export markets: Reduce reliance on India by targeting secondary buyers like the U.S. (high-frequency, retail-driven demand) or Iraq (stable volume share).
• Lock in contracts during policy windows: Argentina’s July 2025 tax cuts boosted competitiveness—time shipments to align with fiscal incentives.
• Optimize logistics for bulk crude oil: With 75% of HS Code 1512 trade being low-margin crude oil, streamline shipping and storage to protect margins.
• Monitor Indian trade policy shifts: India’s outsized influence (42.3% value share) makes it critical to track potential tariffs or import restrictions.
• Segment pricing by market: Charge premiums in quality-conscious markets (India) while competing on volume in price-sensitive hubs (UAE).

Take Action Now —— Explore Argentina Sunflower Seed Oil HS Code 1512 Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Argentina Sunflower Seed Oil Export in 2025?

Argentina's Sunflower Seed Oil exports saw volatility in 2025, peaking in April before a mid-year collapse and partial recovery. This was driven by agricultural policy shifts, including permanent cuts to export taxes on oilseeds in July 2025, which boosted competitiveness and supported the rebound.

Q2. Who are the main destination countries of Argentina Sunflower Seed Oil (HS Code 1512) in 2025?

India is the dominant market, accounting for 42.3% of export value, followed by Iraq (14.1%). The heavy reliance on India creates significant exposure to demand shifts or policy changes.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across destination countries of Argentina Sunflower Seed Oil Export in 2025?

Prices vary due to demand segmentation—India pays premium prices for high-value sunflower oil, while the UAE favors bulk shipments at lower prices, and the U.S. has fragmented retail orders.

Q4. What should exporters in Argentina focus on in the current Sunflower Seed Oil export market?

Exporters should prioritize cost efficiency and volume to compete in the price-sensitive bulk market, while also exploring niche high-value opportunities where margins are stronger.

Q5. What does this Argentina Sunflower Seed Oil export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Buyers in India benefit from consistent high-quality supply but face concentration risks, while secondary markets like Iraq and the UAE offer volume-driven opportunities.

Q6. How is Sunflower Seed Oil typically used in this trade flow?

Argentina primarily exports crude sunflower seed oil (HS Code 1512) as a raw material, with limited high-value refined products, indicating a commodity-driven trade structure.

Detailed Monthly and Quarterly Report

Argentina HS Code 1512 Export Data Snapshot 2025 JAN

Argentina HS Code 1512 Export Data Snapshot 2025 FEB

Argentina HS Code 1512 Export Data Snapshot 2025 APR

Argentina HS Code 1512 Export Data Snapshot 2025 MAY

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Argentina HS Code 1512 Export Data Snapshot 2025 Q1

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