Cotton seeds market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

After starting at 2.88 million tons in 2018, the African cotton seeds market volume grew to 2.96 million tons in 2019. A multi-year decline followed, bringing consumption down to 2.56 million tons in 2022, with a partial rebound to 2.62 million tons in 2023.

During this period, domestic production trended downward from 3 million tons in 2019 to 2.67 million tons in 2023. Export shipments rose sharply in 2021 to 126 thousand tons, which limited the supply remaining for domestic use.

In 2024, the sector faced continued pressure from international cotton market developments and elevated agricultural input costs driven by global fuel and fertilizer prices. At the same time, improved seed genetics and product quality in South Africa supported export competitiveness.

Production cotton seeds in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

Africa's cotton seeds production grew for two consecutive years before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 3 001 thousand tonnes. However, in 2020, it fell to 2 815 thousand tonnes, representing a 6.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 5% overall, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports cotton seeds from Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market for cotton seeds from Africa showed significant volatility during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 29 512 tonnes, marking a substantial 67.4% decline from the previous year. However, exports rebounded sharply in 2019, surging by 172.2%. The peak occurred in 2017, creating a 3.1-fold difference between the highest and lowest points. In 2020, Africa exported 67 888 tonnes of cotton seeds, which was 15.5% lower than in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Africa's cotton seeds export structure remained highly diversified, with no single country holding a dominant position. India accounted for 4.0% of exports in kind, Turkey for 1.1%, and Spain for 0.9%. Together, these three countries represented just 6.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values in US dollars showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest point was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 61 778 thousand US dollars, creating a two-fold difference between these extremes. In 2019, export values increased by 83.4% year-on-year. In 2020, cotton seeds deliveries from Africa were valued at 57 405 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 7.1% decrease from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The partner structure for cotton seeds exports in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. India accounted for 5.5% of export value, the United States for 4.0%, and Yemen for 2.1%. Combined, these three countries represented only 11.6% of total export flows, with no single country achieving a dominant share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports cotton seeds to Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of cotton seeds into Africa displayed irregular patterns, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest point was recorded in 2018 at 26 028 tonnes, representing a 24.6% decline from the previous year. Imports then peaked in 2020 at 82 361 tonnes, creating a 3.2-fold difference between the highest and lowest points. In 2020, imports surged by 139.5% compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Greece were the largest contributors to Africa's cotton seeds imports in kind. Together, they accounted for 2.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Africa's cotton seeds imports in US dollars increased for the third consecutive year. Between 2017 and 2020, import values grew by 240.1%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 50.4%. In 2020, imports reached 47 291 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial 165.2% increase compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, India, the United States, and Greece made the most significant contributions to Africa's cotton seeds imports in value terms. India accounted for 6.7% of import value, the United States for 6.4%, and Greece for 3.1%. Together, these three countries represented 16.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020