Kazakhstan sees sharp increase in sunflower planting areas

In 2025, Kazakhstan saw a significant expansion in sunflower planting areas — a crop now considered the most profitable among all major sectors of the country’s crop farming, as highlighted by the First Credit Bureau (FCB).

According to Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics, almost 1.8 million hectares were allocated for sunflower this season — up 38% from last year and the largest area planted since at least 1990.

The rate of increase in planting area is the highest since 2008, although the 2025 data remain preliminary.

The expansion of sunflower planting came as no surprise, the FCB noted. Agricultural authorities had previously announced their intentions to diversify crop structure and increase sunflower production in particular, as the domestic market remains unsaturated — there is still not enough raw material to fully utilize existing processing capacity. In addition, stable demand from China persists.

However, the FCB pointed to a nuance. In 2023, Kazakhstan introduced duties on sunflower seed exports to retain raw materials in the country and boost oil production. Nevertheless, data from January to May 2025 show that export volumes are nearly on par with 2022 levels. At the same time, seed imports have declined.

The FCB noted that sunflower oil production also increased. In the first five months of 2025, 331,600 tons were produced — up 21% from the same period last year.

Oil imports also increased, but their share in total volume remains moderate at around 14%. At the same time, less product remains on the domestic market compared to 2024 — 95,600 tons versus 112,300 tons.

The FCB noted that sunflower oil prices, which had been declining in recent years, have started to rise again. As of Aug. 5, prices were up 32.9% year-on-year.