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Pumpkin seeds: acreage determines price development

January 21, 2026 at 4:33 PM , Der AUDITOR
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DALIAN. The Chinese New Year is causing demand for pumpkin seeds to rise. After that, the focus will be on sowing in May. Initial estimates indicate a larger crop than in 2025.

New Year celebrations boost demand

The Chinese pumpkin seed market is currently very buoyant. The main driver is rising domestic demand in the run-up to the Chinese New Year celebrations. In anticipation of further price increases, traders are increasingly securing raw materials, which is why price declines are unlikely in the short term. Stocks on the grower side have been largely depleted, which continues to support commodity prices, even though demand from individual export markets remains subdued, according to the latest report from the experts at Chelmer Foods.

Prices are expected to remain stable in the short term, with the possibility of a slight increase after the holidays. The market will then focus on sowing in May. The extent of the acreage is likely to be decisive for further price developments in the spring: an expansion of the acreage could have a dampening effect on prices, while a reduction would probably secure the current high price level.

Crop could be larger

Prices for shine skins have fallen slightly recently. This is due to weaker export demand and existing carry-over stocks, most of which are held by speculators. However, the strong Chinese currency has prevented more significant price declines. Stable to firm prices are expected in the near future. Initial estimates indicate that the 2026 crop could exceed the 2025 level, which, according to Chelmer Foods, is likely to create increasing price pressure from April onwards.

Demand for GWS kernels is significantly slower this season than in previous years. Buyers are cautious and avoiding large transactions. As a result, trading volumes remain low, while only limited quantities are still available on the market.

Pumpkin kernels, China

Type

USD/mt

GWS, Grade A

3,210

GWS, Grade AA

3,560

Shine Skin, Grade A

2,450

Shine Skin, Grade AA

3,660

CFR EMP

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price chart pumpkin kernels, GWS, grade AA, China
price chart, pumpkin kernels, Shine Skin, grade AA, China
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Price chart pumpkin seeds, GWS, grade A
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Price chart pumpkin seeds, hulled, Shine Skin, grade A

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