US imports of organic sunflower and rapeseed oil fell sharply in February and traders worry that the Mideast Gulf war may further disrupt supplies.
US organic sunflower oil imports totaled 1,470 metric tonnes (t) in February, down 35pc from a year earlier, Argus data show. Argentina was the largest supplier with 478t, with the remainder sourced from Europe, including Turkey, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Italy.
Organic rapeseed oil imports reached 17t in February, down 71pc from a year earlier. The Netherlands was the sole supplier.
A poor Black Sea sunflowerseed (SFS) harvest last season has tightened organic oil supplies and lifted European export prices, market contacts said. The Mideast Gulf war is driving higher freight rates from the region, which market participants said is adding to import costs. Prices are expected to remain elevated at least until the harvest, with further escalation increasing pressure.
Organic soybean oil (soyoil), which is less widely used for food production because of soy allergy concerns, has also increased in price as higher conventional soybean oil futures were supported by the Mideast Gulf war and rising energy prices. Elevated prices for rapeseed and sunflower oil prompted some food manufacturers to consider switching to soyoil prior to the war, but the war-driven price increase will limit its use as a cheaper alternative.
Organic oilseed imports rise
Strong organic oil prices and limited European oil supplies supported an increase in US organic oilseed imports in February, which can be crushed to boost oil supply.
US SFS imports totaled 4,220t — the highest monthly volume since April 2024, Argus estimates show. The US imported no organic SFS in February 2025. February shipments included 4,200t from Argentina and 20t from Turkey.
US organic rapeseed imports were estimated at 7,410t, up 48pc from a year earlier and the highest monthly volume since February 2023. Argentina supplied 7,080t and Ukraine the balance.
The Mideast Gulf war is expected to raise freight costs from both South America and the Black Sea, although Black Sea routes face greater exposure. Continued imports from Argentina will contribute to US organic oil supplies once crushed, but recent flooding in Argentina may delay some exports, market contacts said.
