Nearby prices are down 35 cents to unchanged with 2027 new crop prices unchanged this week. Oct/Nov prices are in the range of $23.00-$26.15 and are $4.90-$5.15 per cwt. higher than a year ago at this same time. Per Oil World, global sunflower production for 2026/27, is estimated at 65.3 million metric tons (MMT), reflecting a recovery of 7.4 MMT from last year’s low level. However, crushers in Russia and Ukraine cannot benefit from the increased production due to ongoing attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea and logistical constraints at other export locations. Crushing in other countries has increased but cannot offset the shortfall occurring in Russia and Ukraine. The current scenario is expected to remain in place until early January when traders hope “safe corridors” can be established through diplomatic talks. The situation bears watching if shipments through the Black Sea remain disrupted beyond January as Russia and Ukraine are the largest exporters of sunflower oil. The potential reduced availability of sunflower seed and oil production poses risks for global markets and prices will be responsive to potential production shortfalls. About 47% of sunflowers were in the bin as of last week, up from 26% seven days earlier and ahead the prior five-year average of 40% for this time of year, the USDA said. In the past week, producers harvested an additional 261,160 acres pushing 2026 harvested acres to about 590,550 acres.