U.S. imports of Sunflower Seeds (SITC 22240) totaled $9.2M in August 2026, imported from 34 countries.
Importers of Sunflower Seeds paid $521K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 5.65% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Sunflower Seeds imports of $9.2M in August 2026 ran 14% below the year-to-date monthly average of $10.8M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataSunflower seeds enter US trade in two commercially distinct streams: confectionery-grade seeds destined for snack food and in-shell consumption, and oilseed-grade seeds crushed for sunflower oil and meal production. The high-oleic variety has grown in importance as a food-service frying oil ingredient, creating a premium identity-preserved segment alongside commodity oilseed flows. FDA admissibility requirements apply to food-use sunflower seeds, and USDA APHIS phytosanitary certificates are required for seed lots, particularly from origins where sunflower-specific pathogens such as downy mildew are a quarantine concern.
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321 import shipments a month
The distinction is primarily based on seed size, hull characteristics, and oil content. Confectionery-grade seeds are larger, striped, and lower in oil content, suited for direct consumption. Oilseed-grade seeds are smaller and higher in oil content, destined for crushing. While both fall under the same SITC heading, buyers and sellers specify grade in contracts, and the grade affects pricing, handling, and end-use regulatory requirements.
A phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the exporting country is standard. USDA APHIS may impose additional conditions for origins with known sunflower disease pressure, including inspection for Sclerotinia and downy mildew. Importers should verify current APHIS requirements for the specific origin before contracting.
Basic heading 61 of 239 in section 2
Basic heading 22240 · $9.2M of $3.8B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
Bulgaria and Argentina together supply 81% of it. China pays 37.5% duty; Canada 0.0%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$9.2MYoY · free account
Exports
$2.1MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $121.2M of Sunflower Seeds and exported $66.3M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.