Cotton seeds market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The cotton seeds market in Eastern Africa, primarily Tanzania, expanded in volume from 517.6 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 590.6 thousand tonnes in 2020. This growth was supported by the introduction of new high-yielding cotton seed varieties aimed at boosting yields by up to 60%, coupled with government subsidies for seeds and fertilizers. Training programs for farmers by international bodies also contributed to improved cultivation practices. However, the market value experienced fluctuations, dropping to $492.4 million in 2019 from $595.0 million the prior year, largely due to volatility in global cotton prices.

Market volume sharply contracted to 406.0 thousand tonnes in 2021, with value falling to $316.4 million. The subsequent recovery to 476.3 thousand tonnes in 2022 aligned with plans by the Nyanza Cooperative Union to open a new cotton processing factory in Magu District, which aimed to enhance local capacity. Government directives ensuring timely delivery of agricultural inputs to farmers further supported this rebound. During this period, digital innovations like AI-powered weighing machines were deployed to improve market transparency for farmers.

By 2023, market volume receded to 425.8 thousand tonnes and value to $283.1 million. Ongoing efforts to distribute quality seeds and fertilizers, alongside recommendations to privatize ginneries to improve market access, represented key structural initiatives. Looking to 2024, the market saw the emergence of new value-added segments such as cotton seed oil and cake for animal feed, governed by updated industry standards. Continued use of digital systems and government supervision of warehouse receipts aimed to strengthen market efficiency and farmer empowerment.

Production cotton seeds in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

Cotton seed production in Eastern Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 601.2 thousand tonnes of cotton seeds, representing a 7.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 31.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of cotton seeds in Eastern Africa was valued at 602.0 million US dollars, marking a 0.9% rise compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 596.8 million US dollars, while the highest value occurred in 2018 at 769.2 million US dollars. The largest decline was observed in 2019 with a 22.4% decrease, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 26.2% rise.

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

Exports cotton seeds from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports varied significantly, with a low in 2018 at 3 942 tonnes and a high in 2019 at 18 744 tonnes, showing a 4.8-fold difference. In 2020, cotton seed exports from Eastern Africa registered 12 156 tonnes, reflecting a 35.1% decline from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 375.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. South Africa accounted for 21.8% of exports in kind, the United States for 15.4%, and China for 6.2%, jointly representing 43.4% of total flows. Many other countries made up the remaining 56.6%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Volumes reached their minimum in 2017 and peaked in 2019, showing a 4.5-fold shift. In 2020, exported cotton seed volumes from Eastern Africa amounted to 11 662 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep decline of 31.6% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 17 046 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 276.7%.

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

The data for 2017 to 2020 indicate that exports in value terms of cotton seeds from Eastern Africa were not concentrated on a few key destinations. The United States accounted for 19.5% of exports in value terms, South Africa for 11.5%, and Yemen for 10.3%, jointly representing only 41.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports cotton seeds to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Cotton seed imports into Eastern Africa have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 560 tonnes, marking an abrupt increase of 44.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 143.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 34.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India was the main destination for imports in kind of cotton seeds to Eastern Africa, accounting for 0.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cotton seed deliveries to Eastern Africa have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 5 163 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp improvement of 114.1% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 747.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 103.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India led the list of suppliers of cotton seeds to Eastern Africa, accounting for 36.9% of total imports in value terms.

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

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