Pumpkinseed kernels

As forecasted the smaller crop has led to a gradual increase in prices on all grades. This has probably been less than expected due to the slowdown of USA interest. So, we still see an under lying firmness to the prices which could rapidly correct early in 2026.

China is also seeing good demand from Russia for pumpkin kernels and other items also firming the market.

Linseed

The border situation into Poland has improved and the backlog is clearing allowing the flow of product again and permitting processors to catch up with orders, although spot sales are limited due to capacity in the processing facilities. There is plenty of availability in Kazakhstan so logistics to move material is the priority. The EU will import less and less Russian material as the duty rates bite and Canada will fill the gap to some extent, but with high HCN levels outside EU regulations for consumption most will go for oil crushing.

Golden linseed and organic grades are firming pricewise for compliant material, with cheap Canadian offers confusing the market but as above not compliant on HCN levels in our experience.

Sesame seed

As previously mentioned, India had a devastating crop. Firstly, plantings were down 40% then yield decreased by 37% meaning India is basically sold out of domestic seed already until their summer crop due in April. So, a 63% reduction in crop size under lines the higher prices we are seeing. There are good quantities of natural African sesame available with China as the major buyer, although with good stocks in Chinese ports their demand is late.

Brazil has exported 240,000mt of natural sesame so far this season the majority to India still, but lots of interest is seen from China who traditionally relies on African and Pakistani natural. Currently it seems Pakistan is losing out and will have to find homes for its seed which is not consumed domestically and is unlikely to find its way to India.

Central American harvests are being collected now and volumes are following the recent trends and expected to decline further. The region is experiencing strong demand for their seed due to a more favourable tariff scenario which will soon exhaust supplies but keep the differential wide compared to India and Africa options. Of course, as mentioned above if these are realigned demand will be realigned too. This is expected since we are aware USA importers are placing contracts in India for January shipment in anticipation of favourable changes.

Black sesame is desperately short from all origins and will remain so until SH 2026 at least. The crop was very small and worries over Alternaria toxin, which is being assessed by the EU before introducing new MRL, has hit supplies further. Buyers should cover whilst offers are available through until at least Q3/2026 now whilst offers exist.

Hulled Millet

Very reduced volumes this 2025 harvest as reported earlier and prices are increasing now as demand steps up. Farmers are holding back from offering anticipating further increases which are likely to increase through Q1/2026 as a minimum. Conventional prices are reaching the level of organic material which is lagging pricewise.

Sunflower

Demand has been weak so far this season, so prices have drifted lower. Global estimates for total sunflower seed production indicate a 4% increase with significant increases in Kazakhstan and USA production. The latter driven by tariffs we suspect. But Russia remains the single biggest producer.

Unusually China demand for sunflower from Bulgaria has reduced dramatically also weakening spot pricing, whilst they continue to buy from Russian producers who have plenty to sell.

Farmers are reluctant sellers in Bulgaria and some processors have shut due to lack of demand.

Poppy

Pesticide contamination and high alkaloid levels continue to plague this item. The product is non homogenous for analysis, so great care needs to be shown over sampling protocols.  Generally, for alkaloid tolerance there are two options; premium confectionary supplies from East Europe which are expensive and generally have no GFSI certification. Seed from no morphine or codeine varieties that currently are not monitored as alkaloids.

Pesticides are due to cross contamination through harvesting techniques and often relate to desiccants used on the crops in wetter regions. We do not see systemic pesticide issues generally.

Poppy availability remains steady currently and we expect pricing to reflect this.

Quinoa

Peru has had its small intermediate harvest and whilst volumes are good it will not change the overall supply scenario. It will help with red and black demand and low grades for South America consumption. Therefore, we expect prices to remain firm for the remains of this season.

The upside of high prices is that farmers will be encouraged to plant more for 2026 crop.

India is increasing its acreage again and the product has been well received by some EU buyers, expect to see it play a more significant role in coming years.

Chia

In Paraguay field prices remain extremely high and farmers are sitting on quantities as the market climbs. Argentina and Bolivia have increased their exports to take advantage of the higher prices this season. India is increasing its area planted and we will see it playing a much more significant role in 2026 supplies to assist with the increased global demand.