Cotton seeds market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, cotton seed production in Central Asia grew consistently, starting at 2 000 K t and reaching 2 739 K t. This expansion coincided with the introduction of a new high-yield cotton seed variety in Turkey and the launch of state programs in Russia aimed at boosting cotton cultivation. In 2019, regional shifts in seed prices and the arrival of new varieties further influenced the market. Over the following years, Russia's ongoing policy focus on increasing domestic cotton production and reducing import dependency in the seed sector contributed to the regional growth momentum.

The growth continued from 2023 onward, with production reaching 2 818 K t, largely driven by developments in Uzbekistan. The country implemented significant measures such as testing new seed varieties, strengthening state support for cotton growers, rolling out cluster-based farming systems, and promoting mechanization. In 2024, Uzbekistan deregulated its cotton market, provided financial assistance to producers, and fostered local seed production while restricting seed imports. These steps, along with increased mechanization and seed quality improvements, directly boosted cotton output and, consequently, cotton seed supply in Central Asia.

Production cotton seeds in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

Central Asia's cotton seed production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2,463 thousand tons of cotton seeds, an 8.4% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 2.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2,000 thousand tons, marking the largest decline of 17.1% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest increase of 13.6%.

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

Exports cotton seeds from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export volumes hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with the highest level being 6.8 times greater than the lowest. In 2020, Central Asia exported 6,041 tons of cotton seeds, a substantial 98.5% increase from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 890 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 62.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 241.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan and Russia were the main markets for Central Asia's cotton seed exports in kind, together accounting for 6.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior during these years was marked by volatility. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with the high in 2020 being 5.3 times greater than the low in 2018. In 2020, cotton seed deliveries from Central Asia reached 2,516 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 131.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 477 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 41.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Japan and Russia were the two primary destinations for Central Asia's cotton seed exports in value terms. Japan accounted for 7.7% of total flows, while Russia made up 4.3%, together representing 12.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cotton seeds to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Central Asia imported 3,801 tons of cotton seeds, a 32.1% increase over the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 64.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for cotton seed imports in kind to Central Asia were Azerbaijan, China, and Turkey. Azerbaijan accounted for 5.7% of imports in kind, China for 5.4%, and Turkey for 2.2%, together making up 13.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, cotton seed deliveries to Central Asia totaled 2,234 thousand US dollars, a 31.7% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 42.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 22.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 39.3% growth.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China, Turkey, and Azerbaijan were the key sources for Central Asia's cotton seed imports in value terms. China represented 24.4% of imports in value, Turkey 18.5%, and Azerbaijan 2.6%, together accounting for 45.4% of total import flows.

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

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