Cotton seeds market in Benin

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for cotton seeds in Benin contracted from 427.2 thousand tons to 254.4 thousand tons. This decline was primarily driven by a sharp increase in exports, which rose from 73.5 thousand tons to 198.6 thousand tons. The export growth was facilitated by the liberalization of the cotton sector in 2019, which improved institutional quality and attracted new producers. Additionally, the multiplication of collection points and the arrival of a new ginning operator in 2018 helped expand processing capacity, supporting production levels.

In 2021, the market recovered to 304.5 thousand tons as production increased to 475.0 thousand tons and exports moderated. This rebound was underpinned by the expansion of national ginning capacity to 832 500 tons and government initiatives to support growers, including the homologation of input and seed-cotton purchase prices, as well as the rehabilitation of rural roads to improve market access.

The market volume dropped to 170.1 thousand tons in 2022 due to a production decrease to 365.0 thousand tons, despite ongoing subsidies for fertilizers and an 18% planned increase in cotton cultivation area. By 2023, the market partially rebounded to 210.0 thousand tons, aided by a reduction in exports to 130.0 thousand tons while production settled at 340.0 thousand tons. Throughout this period, Benin consolidated its position as a leading cotton producer in Africa, focusing on productivity gains and developing a regional value chain.

Production cotton seeds in Benin

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Benin was one of the world's top cotton seed producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking 11th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

In 2020, Benin produced 453.0 K t of cotton seeds, marking a 2.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 13.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 500.0 K t. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 11.4%, while the largest increase was seen in 2018 with a 25.0% rise.

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

Exports cotton seeds from Benin

Exports in kind, K t

Cotton seed exports from Benin have grown for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports reached 198.6 K t, representing a sharp 51.8% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 957%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 119.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Burkina Faso was the dominant destination for Benin's cotton seed exports in volume terms, accounting for 80.0% of total flows. Other countries each held substantially smaller shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a fivefold difference between these years. In 2020, Benin exported cotton seeds worth 12 560 K $ US, reflecting a notable decrease of 11.4% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 14 175 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 168.3% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Burkina Faso and India together accounted for the majority of Benin's cotton seed exports in value terms, while other markets represented a less significant portion.

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

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

Imports cotton seeds to Benin

Imports in kind, K t

Foreign cotton seed supplies to Benin declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, imports stood at 0.0 K t, down 99.5% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2019, imports plummeted by 99.8%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 87.9%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, imports of cotton seeds to Benin in volume terms were almost entirely sourced from Togo, which accounted for 99.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Benin's cotton seed import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, imports amounted to 1 K $ US, representing a sharp 97.7% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2019 period, imports decreased by 98.1%, with an average annual decline of 73.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Togo and China were the primary sources for Benin's cotton seed imports in value terms, while other markets played a less significant role.

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

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