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The Potential Opportunities: Sunflower Oil Import in India

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Key Highlights:

  • The top sunflower oil importers in India are Adani Wilmar, Kaleesuwari Refinery and Industry Pvt. Ltd, KTV Foods Ltd, Liberty Oil Mills Ltd., and Cargill India Ltd.
  • A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% is projected for the Indian sunflower oil market between 2024 and 2032.
  • Based on global sunflower oil import data, the world imported 114,353 shipments of sunflower oil from Mar 2023 to Feb 2024 (TTM).
  • According to Sunflower oil import data, India imported 250,000 metric tons of sunflower oil per month on average during 2023–24, primarily from the Black Sea region.
  • In January 2023, India imported 461,458 metric tons of sunflower oil.
  • The largest importer of sunflower oil is India, with an import value of $3.01 billion. 


India, being the world's largest importer of edible oils, has always been a significant market for sunflower oil. Extracted from sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus), sunflower oil is a non-volatile oil. Sunflower oil is frequently used as an emollient in cosmetic formulations and as a frying oil in food. Sunflower oil accounted for 114,353 of the world's imports between March 2023 and February 2024 (TTM). 

In this blog, we will explore the potential opportunities and challenges associated with sunflower oil imports in India. Along with this, we provide a list of sunflower oil importers in India, HS Codes, and other significant emerging trends. 

How Big Is the Sunflower Oil Industry?

At a CAGR of 6.22%, the size of the global sunflower oil market is expected to increase from USD 21.95 billion in 2023 to USD 37.74 billion by 2032. In 2024, the market was valued at USD 23.29 billion.

The Indian sunflower oil market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2024 to 2032. In 2023, India consumed around 2.7 million metric tons of sunflower seed oil. 

Why Does India Import So Much Sunflower Oil?

Did you know? India produced just 190,000 metric tons of sunflower oilseed, while its consumption year was more than 2.7 million metric tons. 

So, to meet the domestic need, India imports sunflower oil in large quantities, making it the largest sunflower oil importer.

There are a few factors behind the increasing demand for sunflower oil in India:

  • Awareness of its numerous health benefits
  • its high smoking point perfectly goes with the Indian cooking style
  • It's way cheaper than other edible oils such as coconut oil and mustard oil
  • Consumers are switching to it due to the rise in palm oil price

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Sunflower Oil Import Data: 2023-24

Here is an updated table for sunflower oil import data. 

According to global sunflower oil import data, the world imported 114,353 shipments of sunflower oil from Mar 2023 to Feb 2024 (TTM). 

These imports were supplied by 7,658 exporters to 14,709 global buyers, marking a growth rate of 4% compared to the preceding twelve months. 

In Feb 2024 alone, the world imported 3,655 sunflower oil shipments within this period. This marks a year-on-year growth of -63% compared to Feb 2023 and an 18% sequential increase from Jan 2024.

The world imports most of its sunflower oil from Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey. Globally, the top three importers of sunflower oil are India, Turkey, and China. 

How Much Is Sunflower Oil Import in India?

Here is an updated table for sunflower oil import in India.

Import of sunflower oil in India

Sunflower oil import data

Average Monthly Imports (2023-24)

250,000 metric tons

Imports in February 2024

297,000 metric tons

Imports in March 2024

446,000 metric tons

Total Edible Oil Imports in March 2023

11.35 lakh tonnes

Crude Sunflower Oil Imports in March 2023

1.48 lakh tonnes

Rank in Global Sunflower Oil Imports

1st


Edible oil imports and consumption are highest in India. The last two months have seen a rise in demand for soft oils, such as sunflower and soybean oil, due to the increase in palm oil prices worldwide.

According to the most recent data released by the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA), "India imported a record quantity of sunflower oil in the last two months, February 2,97,000 tonne, and in March received the highest monthly quantity of 4,46,000 tonne."

Based on India Sunflower oil import data, India imported 250,000 metric tons of sunflower oil per month on average during 2023–24, primarily from the Black Sea region.

In January 2023, India imported 461,458 metric tons of sunflower oil.

In March 2023, the total amount of edible oil imported was 11.35 lakh tonnes, whereas the crude sunflower oil import in India was 1,48,145 lakh tonnes.

Overall, India leads the world in sunflower oil imports with 34,903 shipments, followed by China with 33,904 shipments, and Turkey takes the third spot with 26,166 shipments.

Top Sunflower Oil HS Codes

The HS Code for sunflower seed, safflower, or cottonseed oil falls under 1512, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. Here are the top HS codes, primarily used  for sunflower oil import in India: 

Sunflower oil HS codes

Description

15121110

Sunflower seed oil (unrefined)

15121910

Sunflower oil, edible grade (refined)

15121920

Sunflower oil, non-edible grade (e.g., for industrial use)


The top sunflower oil HS codes are thus listed here. By focussing on a clearly defined specialization, efficient operations, and effective marketing, you might be able to carve out a profitable niche in this expanding market. However, when examining the worldwide trade market, sunflower oil importers in India need to take these observations into account.

Sunflower Oil Import in India: Top Import Destinations

Here are the top exporters of sunflower oil in India: 

Top import market for import of sunflower oil in india

Import value ( in Metric tonnes )

Nepal

4,096,040

Romania

243,160

Spain

60,770

Ukraine

22,760

Poland

19,200

China

19,000

United States

7,810

Italy

4,750

Germany

1,330k

Belgium

520k


According to India's sunflower oil import data, Nepal accounts for 41% of all sunflower oil imports, making it the country's largest market. Romania comes in second at 13%, and Spain comes in at 7%. For additional information about sunflower oil import in India, sunflower oil importers in India, and other details about all these destinations, get in touch with our experts at Eximpedia.app. 

Sunflower Oil Importing Countries

Here are the leading nations that import sunflower oil in the largest quantity: 

S.no. 

Sunflower oil-importing countries

Sunflower import data

1

India

$3.4 billion

2

China

$1.8 billion

3

Turkey

$1.7 billion

4

Spain

$782.5 million

5

Italy

653.4 million

6

Eqypt

609.5 million

7

Netherlands

500.7 million

8

Poland

356.4 million

9

Germany

295.8 million

10

Belgium

258.3 million


So, these are the top sunflower oil importing countries. These nations import large amounts of sunflower oil to meet their domestic demand. So, according to sunflower oil import data, India is the biggest importer of sunflower in the world. 

Sunflower import in India account for 3.4 billion in 2023–24. To know more about top sunflower importers in the world or sunflower import in India, connect with us on Eximpedia.app. 

Now, explore the list of sunflower oil buyers in India!

Sunflower Oil Importers in India

Here are the sunflower oil buyers in India that import sunflower oil in India in large quantities: 

  • Adani Wilmar
  • Kaleesuwari Refinery and Industry Pvt. Ltd.
  • KTV Foods Ltd
  • Liberty Oil Mills Ltd
  • Cargill India Ltd
  • Gemini fats and oils
  • GEF India
  • Ruchi Soy Ind Ltd
  • M.k.agro Ltd
  • Lohiya oil and refinery

Thus, these are the main sunflower oil importers in India. The three main importers of soda ash are Adani Wilmar, Kaleesuwari Refinery and Industry Pvt. Ltd., and KTV Foods Ltd. 

However, you can quickly obtain global market insights by exploring Eximpedia.app, if you are searching for updated sunflower oil suppliers, sunflower oil HS codes, and precise sunflower oil import data.

How to Start a Sunflower Oil Import Business in India?

To start a business of Sunflower oil import in India, you may require several documents, such as a GSTIN, a Business Identification Number (BIN), an importer-exporter code (IEC),  pro forma invoices, bills of lading, etc.

Another important thing is to look for suppliers abroad after establishing a profitable business. You can locate suppliers who meet your import requirements in terms of quantity, quality, and cost with India's sunflower oil import data.

The Final Words!

Starting a business of sunflower oil import in India could be a profitable venture, considering India's significant sunflower oil market. To make more informed decisions about growing and expanding your sunflower oil import business, sunflower oil importers in India need to obtain our sunflower oil import data on our prominent platform, Eximpedia.app. We provide the most recent export import data for more than 130 countries, which was collected by a reliable source. Get a demo and clear up all your doubts.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Where does India import sunflower oil from?

India imports sunflower oil from the leading exporters, which are Nepal, Romania, Spain, Ukraine, and Poland.

  1. Which country is the largest importer of sunflower oil?

Sunflower imports in India account for 3.4 billion in 2023–24, making it the largest importer of sunflower oil. 

  1. Which country is best for sunflower oil?

Ukraine is the world's leading producer and exporter of sunflower oil. It alone accounts for more than 30% of global production. 

  1. Which country is the largest importer of oil to India?

Nepal accounts for 41% of all sunflower oil imports, making it the country's largest market. Romania comes in second at 13%, and Spain comes in at 7%. 

  1. Who imports sunflower oil in India?

Adani Wilmar, Kaleesuwari Refinery and Industry Pvt. Ltd., KTV Foods Ltd, Liberty Oil Mills Ltd, Cargill India Ltd, and Gemini fats and oils are the prime sunflower importing companies in India.

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