Cotton seeds market in ECOWAS

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the cotton seeds market in ECOWAS first expanded then contracted. The initial growth to 1 656 thousand tons in 2019 was supported by the Nigerian government's distribution of high-yielding seeds through the Central Bank's Anchor Borrowers’ Programme and the introduction of genetically modified Bt cotton, which aimed to increase yields. However, the market volume fell to 1 482 thousand tons in 2020 as persistent issues with seed quality and a shrinking local textile sector dampened production, despite continued state support via the Cotton Textile and Garment Programme.

Market volume rebounded sharply to 1 684 thousand tons in 2021, but then plunged to 1 277 thousand tons in 2022 following the withdrawal of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, which caused a severe drop in output and shuttered ginning operations. A partial recovery to 1 432 thousand tons occurred in 2023, fueled by renewed public and private sector focus on reviving the sector, including training for farmers on cost-effective cultivation methods and initiatives to strengthen local seed production capacity.

In 2024, efforts to sustain the recovery continued, with the government providing training and input subsidies to promote certified seeds, while private firms collaborated with agencies to scale up local production of high-yield Bt cotton seeds, although affordability for smallholder farmers remained a concern.

Production cotton seeds in ECOWAS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

In 2019, cotton seed production in ECOWAS reached its highest point with a 5.2% increase. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 1 467 thousand tons, marking a significant 13.3% decline compared to the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 14.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.1%.

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

Exports cotton seeds from ECOWAS

Exports in kind, t

The export market for cotton seeds from ECOWAS showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 25 650 tons, representing a sharp 69.8% decline. The following year saw a dramatic turnaround with a 141.7% increase. By 2020, exports stood at 53 691 tons, which was 13.4% lower than in 2019. The difference between the peak and trough from 2017 to 2018 was 3.3 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Turkey, and Spain remained the primary destinations for ECOWAS cotton seed exports. India accounted for 4.4% of exports in kind, while Turkey and Spain each represented 1.0%. Together, these three countries made up 6.4% of total cotton seed exports from the region.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

ECOWAS cotton seed exports in value terms grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 42 470 thousand US dollars. This represented a modest 1.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 64.7%, averaging an 18.1% annual growth rate.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, ECOWAS cotton seed exports in value terms were distributed across numerous trading partners. India accounted for 7.0% of export value, Saudi Arabia for 1.7%, and Spain for 1.4%. Combined, these three countries represented just 10.1% of total export value, indicating a highly diversified market.

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

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

Imports cotton seeds to ECOWAS

Imports in kind, t

Cotton seed imports into ECOWAS displayed significant volatility from 2017 to 2020. In 2018, imports reached their lowest level at 17 563 tons, showing a 37.8% decrease. By 2020, imports had surged to 68 855 tons, representing a remarkable 163.6% increase compared to 2019. The difference between the 2020 peak and 2018 low was 3.9 times.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Cameroon and China were the main sources of cotton seed imports into ECOWAS. Together, these two countries accounted for 1.3% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values for cotton seeds into ECOWAS showed notable fluctuations between 2017 and 2020. In 2019, import value bottomed out at 7 122 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 20.3% decline. The following year saw imports peak at 35 753 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic 402.0% increase from 2019. The difference between the 2020 high and 2019 low was five times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ethiopia and Cameroon were the leading suppliers of cotton seeds to ECOWAS in value terms. Together, these two countries accounted for 5.3% of total import value.

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

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