Argentina Sunflower Oil Export Market -- HS Code 151219 Trade Data & Price Trend (Apr 2025)

Argentina Sunflower Oil Export (HS 151219) Key Takeaways

Argentina's sunflower oil exports under HS Code 151219 in April 2025 reveal a bifurcated market: bulk commodity-grade oil dominated volume at $1.12/kg, while premium refined oils commanded higher prices up to $3.22/kg. Export volumes surged to 43.99 million kg, with prices rebounding to $1.40/kg after a volatile start to the year. Chile emerged as the top destination, absorbing 35.47% of export value with frequent, high-value shipments, while Mexico and others showed similar premium demand. This analysis of April 2025 trade data is based on cleanly processed customs records from the yTrade database.

Argentina Sunflower Oil Export (HS 151219) Background

What is HS Code 151219?

HS Code 151219 refers to other sunflower seed or safflower oil, refined, a key commodity in global food and industrial markets. This product is widely used in cooking, food processing, and biodiesel production, driven by its stability and high smoke point. Its demand remains steady due to its versatility and health benefits compared to other edible oils.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Global commodity markets face volatility due to fluctuating supply chains and geopolitical tensions, impacting sunflower oil trade dynamics. Argentina's sunflower oil export plays a critical role, as the country is a top global supplier, leveraging its robust agricultural sector. Monitoring hs code 151219 trade data is essential to gauge Argentina's market positioning and anticipate shifts in export trends. With no major policy changes announced, stakeholders must remain vigilant to macroeconomic factors influencing trade flows. Argentina's competitive pricing and production efficiency underscore its strategic importance in this sector.

Argentina Sunflower Oil Export (HS 151219) Price Trend

Key Observations

In April 2025, Argentina's Sunflower Oil exports under HS code 151219 reached 61.50 million USD in value, with a unit price of 1.40 USD per kg and a volume of 43.99 million kg, marking a strong monthly performance.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Argentina Sunflower Oil Export trend demonstrated steady volume growth from January to April, with weight increasing sequentially from 11.03 million kg to 43.99 million kg, likely driven by post-harvest export cycles typical in early spring. Unit price volatility, declining from 2.91 USD/kg in January to 1.23 USD/kg in March before a modest rebound to 1.40 USD/kg in April, may reflect broader market adjustments or currency fluctuations in Argentina impacting export competitiveness, rather than specific policy shifts.

Argentina Sunflower Oil Export (HS 151219) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

Argentina's export activities under HS Code 151219 in April 2025 were heavily concentrated in one high-volume, low-unit-price sub-category. According to yTrade data, the sub-code "15121919110" for vegetable oils, specifically sunflower seed or safflower oil (other than crude, refined but not chemically modified), dominated with a 66% value share despite accounting for only 2% of the total quantity. This product shipped at a low unit price of $1.12 per kilogram, indicating it is a bulk, commodity-grade oil.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining exports under this HS Code reveal a clear value spectrum. A mid-tier category, represented by sub-code "15121911000", handled over half the volume at a higher price of $2.72/kg. Two other sub-codes, "15121919190" and "15121919129", formed a premium segment with the highest prices ($2.91/kg and $3.22/kg, respectively) but much smaller volumes. This structure shows the trade involves a mix of standardized bulk commodities and more refined, higher-value products, suggesting pricing is influenced by both global indices and product grade.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

This analysis of HS Code 151219 trade data indicates a bifurcated market. For the bulk commodity segment, pricing power is low and tied to global supply and demand. For producers of the higher-priced, refined oils, there is potential for better margins through quality differentiation. Exporters should focus on process refinement and certification to access the premium segment and improve returns from Argentina's sunflower oil exports.

Check Detailed HS Code 151219 Breakdown

Argentina Sunflower Oil Export (HS 151219) Destination Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Chile is the dominant destination for Argentina's Sunflower Oil exports in April 2025, accounting for 35.47% of the total export value. Chile's value share of 35.47% is significantly higher than its weight share of 17.05%, indicating that shipments to Chile consist of higher-value Sunflower Oil, likely refined or premium grades. The high frequency share of 50.45% suggests frequent shipments, possibly due to geographic proximity or efficient supply chain links for this commodity.

Destination Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The export partners can be grouped into two clusters based on their trade profiles. The first cluster includes Chile and Mexico, where value shares are substantially higher than weight shares (e.g., Chile's value share is 18.42 percentage points above weight share), pointing to strong demand for premium Sunflower Oil in these markets, possibly driven by local consumer preferences or processing needs. The second cluster consists of countries like the United States, Colombia, and others with lower but still value-dominant shares, indicating steady imports of standard or bulk Sunflower Oil for general consumption or distribution hubs.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For forward strategy, Argentina should prioritize maintaining high-margin exports to Chile and Mexico by ensuring quality consistency and potentially expanding refined product offerings. Logistics should be optimized for frequent shipments to Chile to reduce costs and enhance reliability. Given no specific trade news, the focus remains on leveraging existing trade flows for Sunflower Oil under HS Code 151219, with attention to market stability in key destinations.

Table: Argentina Sunflower Oil (HS 151219) Top Destination Countries (Source: yTrade)

Get Complete Destination Countries Profile

Action Plan for Sunflower Oil Market Operation and Expansion

• Prioritize premium exports to Chile and Mexico using hs code 151219 trade data to target buyers of higher-value refined oil, boosting margins for the Argentina Sunflower Oil Export sector.
• Optimize the Sunflower Oil supply chain for high-frequency shipments to Chile by securing dedicated logistics, reducing transit costs and ensuring reliable delivery for this key trade route.
• Diversify export destinations by analyzing under-served markets in the trade data to mitigate risk from over-reliance on a few countries and stabilize overall export revenue.
• Use detailed sub-code price analysis from the export data to set competitive yet profitable prices, aligning quotes with the specific grade of oil being sold.

Take Action Now —— Explore Argentina Sunflower Oil Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The volume of Argentina's sunflower oil exports grew steadily from January to April 2025, likely due to post-harvest cycles, while unit price volatility reflects broader market adjustments or currency fluctuations.

Q2. Who are the main destination countries of Argentina Sunflower Oil (HS Code 151219) 2025 April?

Chile is the dominant destination, accounting for 35.47% of export value, followed by Mexico and the U.S., with Chile importing higher-value refined or premium grades.

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

Price differences stem from product grades—bulk commodity oil (sub-code 15121919110) trades at $1.12/kg, while refined oils (e.g., 15121919129) command premium prices up to $3.22/kg.

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

Exporters should prioritize quality refinement and certifications to access premium markets like Chile and Mexico, while optimizing logistics for frequent bulk shipments.

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

Buyers in Chile and Mexico benefit from reliable high-grade supply, while other markets receive cost-effective bulk oil, indicating stable trade flows with differentiated value tiers.

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

Sunflower oil is primarily traded as a bulk commodity for general consumption or refined for premium culinary and industrial uses, depending on grade.