Cotton seeds market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The cotton seeds market in Northern America exhibited notable volatility from 2018 to 2023. Volume grew from 5 110 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 5 396 thousand tonnes in 2019, then contracted sharply to 4 025 thousand tonnes in 2020. A rebound followed in 2021, lifting the market to 4 831 thousand tonnes.

In 2022, the market volume fell to 4 006 thousand tonnes. This decrease aligned with tighter buffer-zone requirements for aerial spraying in states such as California, which raised operational costs for cotton growers. Simultaneously, the spread of herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth increased weed control expenses, affecting planting decisions and reducing seed demand. The downward trend persisted in 2023, with volume dropping further to 3 307 thousand tonnes.

Structural shifts like the consolidation of cotton farms into larger operations and a growing industry focus on sustainable practices and advanced seed treatment technologies also shaped the market landscape during these years.

Production cotton seeds in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

In 2020, Northern America produced 4 023 K t of cotton seeds, marking a dramatic 25.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 30.9%, which equates to an annualized decline of 11.6%. The largest increase during this period occurred in 2019, with a 5.6% rise.

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

Exports cotton seeds from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 95-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of cotton seeds from Northern America were recorded at 0.2 t, representing a steep 98.9% reduction compared to 2019.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 562-fold gap between these periods. In 2020, Northern America's cotton seeds export volume totaled 0.1 K $ US, reflecting a sharp 99.8% fall over the past year.

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

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

Imports cotton seeds to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, cotton seeds volumes in Northern America totaled 1 903 t, reflecting a 29.5% decline compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 22.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -8.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 699 t, which also saw the largest increase of 26.8% during this timeframe.

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

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, cotton seeds deliveries to Northern America declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 956 K $ US, which is 14.3% smaller year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 2.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -0.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 283 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 13.6% rise.

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

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

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