Cotton seeds market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the cotton seeds market in Brazil grew from 2 983 thousand tonnes to 4 342 thousand tonnes. This expansion was driven by the widespread adoption of genetically modified seeds, which by 2018 already accounted for about 74% of cotton plantings, enhancing resistance to pests and herbicides. The state-owned research company Embrapa Algodão dominated the seeds market, providing innovation. Additionally, attractive global cotton prices stimulated the expansion of planted area. Even in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic that reduced global cotton consumption, the Brazilian seeds market continued to grow, as the overall drop in world production supported demand for local output.

In 2021, market volume fell to 3 422 thousand tonnes, down 21% from the previous year. However, a rapid recovery began in 2022: the market grew by 9% to 3 719 thousand tonnes, and in 2023 it reached 4 484 thousand tonnes, exceeding pre-crisis levels. This upturn was linked to the launch of new high-yielding seed varieties, such as DP 1949 B3RF from Bayer, which provided greater disease resistance. At the same time, planted area expanded in key producing regions like Mato Grosso and Bahia, and certification and traceability programs, such as Algodão Brasileiro Responsável (ABR), were strengthened, improving the competitiveness of Brazilian cotton on the international market.

Production cotton seeds in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil ranked as the world's fourth-largest producer of cotton seeds.

Top producers of cotton seeds, 2018-2021

World map of production of cotton seeds, 2018-2021

Brazil's cotton seed production volume declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2021, the country produced 3,439 thousand tonnes of cotton seeds, marking a 21.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production increased by 14.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 4,371 thousand tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019 at 38.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, Brazil's cotton seed output was valued at 979.1 million US dollars, showing a modest 0.6% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production value grew by 29.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 9.0%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 984.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 30.3%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020 with a 1.2% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports cotton seeds from Brazil

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Brazil's cotton seed exports reached their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Brazil exported 17,187 tonnes of cotton seeds, representing a sharp 41.4% reduction from the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 53,049 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 44.7% decrease, while the most substantial increase was in 2019 at 115.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan and South Korea were the dominant buyers of Brazilian cotton seeds, together accounting for 97.6% of total exports by volume. Other trading partners represented a much smaller portion of exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export values dropped to their minimum in 2021 and climbed to their maximum in 2019, representing a 2.6-fold variation. In 2021, Brazil exported cotton seeds worth 4,893 thousand US dollars, indicating a 25.0% decrease compared to the previous year. The peak export value was recorded in 2019 at 12,537 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 47.9% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2019 at 102.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, South Korea and Japan were the primary buyers of Brazilian cotton seeds, together representing 98.2% of total export value. Other destinations each accounted for relatively small shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021

Imports cotton seeds to Brazil

According to market research, Brazil did not import any cotton seeds from 2018 to 2021.