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SITCSection 2
U.S. imports of sunflower seeds (SITC 22240) totaled $9.5M in April 2026, traded with 28 countries.
Importers of Sunflower Seeds paid $839K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $8.1M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Sunflower Seeds imports of $9.5M in April 2026 ran 14% below the year-to-date monthly average of $11.0M.
Last updated: April 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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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.
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Monthly import values over time