Cotton seeds market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the cotton seed market volume in CIS expanded from 1.8 million tons to 2.3 million tons, a 26% increase. This growth was supported by global consolidation in the seed market, where major transnational corporations like Bayer strengthened their presence, including in the cotton segment. In Russia, import substitution policies stimulated the development of domestic seed breeding, boosting production. In 2020, Uzbekistan's halt of raw cotton exports created a raw material shortage, prompting Russian enterprises to focus more on internal cotton seed production, while pandemic-related supply chain disruptions accelerated localization.

Growth continued from 2021 to 2023, with market volume reaching 2.6 million tons in 2023. The completion of Bayer's acquisition of Monsanto in 2022 led to the transfer of breeding technologies to Russia, enhancing local capabilities. In Uzbekistan, measures to improve cotton yield and introduce innovative technologies supported seed production. By 2023, reforms in Uzbekistan, including the abolition of mandatory state cotton purchases and simplified seed handling procedures, created more market-oriented conditions, further stimulating market volume expansion.

Production cotton seeds in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

CIS cotton seed production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 2 275 K t, marking a 10.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 6.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 790 K t, which represented the largest decline of 16.5% during this timeframe. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with production rising by 15.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

CIS cotton seed production value has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 615.1 M $ US, showing a 4.2% increase from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 555.3 M $ US, which saw the largest decline of 10.1%. The most substantial increase happened in 2019, with a 6.3% growth in value.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cotton seeds from CIS

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 2 235 t, which represented the largest decline of 53.5%. In 2020, exports peaked at 18 634 t, a dramatic 342.7% increase compared to 2019, creating an 8.3-fold difference between the peak and trough years.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Iran, and Japan were the main markets for CIS cotton seed exports in kind. Turkey accounted for 23.3% of exports, Iran for 7.8%, and Japan for 3.8%, together representing 34.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports dropped to their minimum in 2018 at 693 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 50.0%. In 2020, exports climbed to their maximum at 5 039 K $ US, up 317.9% from the previous year, resulting in a 7.3-fold shift between these years.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, Iran, and Japan were the largest buyers of CIS cotton seeds in value terms. Turkey accounted for 28.9% of exports, Iran for 8.9%, and Japan for 4.6%, together forming 42.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports cotton seeds to CIS

Imports in kind, t

CIS cotton seed imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 6 030 t, a 26.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 16.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 444 t, which saw the largest decline of 38.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and China occupied the top positions in the structure of CIS cotton seed imports in kind, jointly accounting for 30.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, CIS cotton seed import values increased in 2020. Imports reached 9 366 K $ US, showing a sharp 27.8% uptick compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 2.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 326 K $ US, which represented the largest decline of 14.6%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Turkey dominated CIS cotton seed imports in value terms, accounting for 79.4% of total flows, with other markets forming a fragmented remainder.

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

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