Cotton seeds market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the cotton seeds market in Spain reached 102 872 t, supported by regulatory measures such as the establishment of minimum yield indicators for specific cotton cultivation payments. A key domestic player, Guadalsem, strengthened its market presence with several seed varieties. By 2020, the company launched the new FILIA variety, expanding its portfolio, yet the overall market volume gradually declined to 93 160 t.

A sharp market contraction unfolded from 2021 onward, culminating in 2023 when severe drought and reduced irrigation water allocations in Andalusia significantly damaged the cotton harvest. This directly caused a collapse in domestic cotton seed production, slashing the total market volume to 34 786 t. In response, the authorities adjusted the yield benchmarks for cultivation payments to account for the exceptional climatic adversity.

Heading into 2024, the sector continued to face challenges as the total cotton cultivation area in the EU kept shrinking. Spanish farmers dealt with high seed multiplication costs and persistent adverse weather, leading some to abandon the crop. While the specific cultivation payment rate was slightly increased for 2024 to provide an incentive, the adoption of integrated production systems aimed at reducing the carbon footprint emerged as a notable industry trend.

Production cotton seeds in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Spain ranked 27th globally in cotton seeds production between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

Cotton seeds production in Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain produced 83 120 tonnes of cotton seeds, marking a 5.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 6.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 89 290 tonnes, with the largest year-over-year increase of 0.8% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cotton seeds from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Cotton seeds exports from Spain declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 669 tonnes, representing a sharp 77.0% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 84.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 45.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, the United States, and Portugal formed the core group of markets for Spain's cotton seeds exports in volume terms. Greece accounted for 53.4% of exports, the United States for 25.4%, and Portugal for 19.8%. Together, these three countries represented 98.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Between 2018 and 2020, there was a significant fluctuation, with the peak value in 2018 being 7.1 times higher than the trough in 2020. In 2020, cotton seeds exports from Spain were valued at 778 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 70.3% decrease year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 5 545 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-over-year increase of 0.6% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece and the United States were the dominant destinations for Spain's cotton seeds exports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 90.0% of total export flows, with the remaining share going to other markets.

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

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

Imports cotton seeds to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Spain's cotton seeds import volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 10 709 tonnes, down by 11.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 54.8%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 23.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece and Togo consistently accounted for 82.1% of Spain's total cotton seeds imports in volume terms. This indicates a high degree of market concentration, with a long tail of smaller markets making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of cotton seeds imports into Spain declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value was recorded at 3 327 thousand US dollars, representing a strong 18.9% decrease year-over-year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 53.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -22.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Greece, Togo, and Argentina remained the main sources for Spain's cotton seeds imports in value terms. Greece accounted for 66.6% of imports, Togo for 12.6%, and Argentina for 7.6%. Together, these three countries represented 86.8% of total import flows.

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

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