Cotton seeds market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The South American cotton seed market volume grew from 3.4 million tonnes in 2018 to 4.9 million tonnes in 2020, reflecting a period of strong expansion in regional production.

A contraction to 4.0 million tonnes occurred in 2021. That year, however, saw foundational developments with a recovery in registered cotton growers in Argentina and a strategic alliance to develop herbicide-resistant seeds using CRISPR gene editing. The market rebounded to 4.4 million tonnes in 2022, aided by the launch of new cotton seed varieties in Brazil that offered larger seeds, improved vigor, and XtendFlex technology, enhancing crop quality and resistance.

Growth accelerated in 2023, pushing the market to 5.0 million tonnes. Brazil solidified its position as the world's leading cotton exporter, driven by expanded cultivation area, better profitability, and technological advances. This was supported by increased financing for cotton commercialization and the introduction of new seed varieties with herbicide tolerance and pest resistance. In 2024, Brazil continued this trend by further increasing its planted cotton area and achieving record export levels, reinforced by widespread sustainable certification and rising adoption of seed treatments.

Production cotton seeds in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

South America's cotton seeds production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 4 957 K t of cotton seeds, representing a 5.5% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 78.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

South America's cotton seeds production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output of cotton seeds was valued at 1 150 M $ US in South America, showing a modest advance of 1.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 59.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 16.8%.

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

Exports cotton seeds from South America

Exports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Volumes dropped to their lowest point in 2017 and climbed to their maximum in 2019, showing a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of cotton seeds from South America totalled 32 997 t, marking a sharp decrease of 42.1% compared to 2019. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 57 028 t, with the largest increase of 89.9% also occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the three largest markets—Japan, South Korea, and Spain—remained central to exports in kind, collectively accounting for 78.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, cotton seeds exports from South America declined. In 2020, exports reached 7 654 K $ US, which is 44.5% lower year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 13 791 K $ US, with the largest increase of 65.8% also occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Japan and South Korea clearly dominated exports in value terms of cotton seeds from South America, jointly accounting for 81.6% of total flows, while other countries held much smaller shares.

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

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

Imports cotton seeds to South America

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, South America imported 2 738 t of cotton seeds, corresponding to an abrupt contraction of 44.1% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 44.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.9%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 5.9%.

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

Over 2017–2020, the United States was the main destination for imports in kind of cotton seeds to South America, accounting for 1.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

South America's cotton seeds import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 1 478 K $ US, amounting to a sharp fall of 54.4% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 56.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 600 K $ US, with the largest increase of 5.6% also occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States and Israel played central roles in imports in value terms, together taking 36.4% of total flows.

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

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