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Pumpkin seeds: uncertainty regarding sowing

April 28, 2026 at 4:21 PM , Der AUDITOR
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DALIAN. Currently, there is uncertainty in China regarding this year’s pumpkin seed sowing. There is talk of possible declines, whilst at the same time good prices could persuade farmers to reconsider. There are hardly any EU-quality goods left from the old crop.

Uncertain sowing prospects

In recent weeks, the pumpkin seed market has come under noticeable pressure. This is due to signals from China intended to encourage farmers to focus more on crops with more stable domestic demand. As a result, expectations for the coming growing season have dimmed, particularly in key production areas. The experts at Chelmer Foods report that some growers may reduce pumpkin seed cultivation this year. The potential declines are estimated at around 15 to 20% and affect both GWS and Shine Skin varieties. Nevertheless, the situation remains difficult to assess, as the attractive revenues of recent months continue to provide an incentive for cultivation.

Tight supply and volatile prices

In the short term, supply is extremely limited. In particular, goods that meet EU and UK requirements are now scarcely available to processors. At the same time, many farmers have already sold their entire stocks from the old crop, further restricting market activity.

Overall, the market is in a phase of reorientation. Whilst stocks from the old crop in China are almost exhausted, the outlook for the coming season remains uncertain and is heavily dependent on actual sowing decisions. In this environment, prices are reacting sensitively to new information on acreage and policy guidelines from China, without showing any clear trend so far, according to Chelmer Foods. Prices can also vary considerably depending on the supplier.

Pumpkin kernels, China

Type

USD/mt

GWS, Grade A

3,500

GWS, Grade AA

3,870

Shine Skin, Grade A

2,450

Shine Skin, Grade AA

3,970

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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Attached Files

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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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