Cotton seeds market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the cotton seed market volume in Sub-Saharan Africa fluctuated, peaking in 2019 before declining and then partially recovering in 2023. The market is traditionally anchored by smallholder farmers, particularly within the CFA franc zone, who accounted for about 65% of Sub-Saharan production by the end of the period.

Market recovery in 2023 was driven by substantial harvest increases in key producing nations. Benin became the leading producer in West Africa due to a strengthened industrial base and structured farming sector, while Mali regained its top position in the CFA zone with a 77% production surge to 690 thousand tonnes. Cameroon also saw a 25% rise, becoming the region's third-largest producer.

This rebound followed pest infestations that had hampered yields in prior years. Despite pressure from soaring fertilizer prices, structural reforms and producer support programs in CFA zone countries facilitated a 24% increase in regional cotton output for the 2023-2024 season.

Production cotton seeds in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of cotton seeds, 2017-2020

Cotton seeds production in Sub-Saharan Africa declined after two years of growth. In 2020, production reached 2 570 K t, representing a modest 7.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 2.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 0.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 781 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase of 6.0% also occurring that year.

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

Exports cotton seeds from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market for cotton seeds exports from Sub-Saharan Africa experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 29 526 t, while the maximum occurred in 2017, creating a 3.1-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, exports amounted to 67 897 t, which was 15.5% lower than the previous year. The largest decline of 67.4% was recorded in 2018, while the most significant increase of 172.1% occurred in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, cotton seeds exports from Sub-Saharan Africa were not heavily concentrated among trading partners. India accounted for 4.0% of exports in kind, Turkey for 1.1%, and Spain for 0.9%. Together, these three countries represented just 6.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms showed considerable volatility during these years. The minimum value was recorded in 2017, while exports peaked in 2019, representing a two-fold increase between these years. In 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa exported cotton seeds worth 57 403 K $ US, which was 7.1% lower than the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 61 778 K $ US, with the largest year-on-year increase of 83.4% also occurring that year.

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

The partner structure for cotton seeds exports in value terms remained fragmented between 2017 and 2020. India accounted for 5.5% of exports in value terms, the United States for 4.0%, and Yemen for 2.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 11.6% of total export flows, with no single country achieving a dominant market share.

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

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

Imports cotton seeds to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of cotton seeds into Sub-Saharan Africa showed significant volatility during the observed period. The lowest import level was recorded in 2018 at 18 306 t, while imports peaked in 2020, creating a four-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports reached 72 934 t, representing a substantial year-on-year increase of 231.3%. The largest decline of 38.3% was recorded in 2018.

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

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market in value terms demonstrated volatility throughout the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2017, while imports reached their peak in 2020, representing a 3.5-fold increase between these years. In 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa imported cotton seeds worth 43 501 K $ US, marking a significant rise of 248.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline of 12.7% was recorded in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India and Australia were the principal suppliers of cotton seeds to Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms. Together, these two countries accounted for 5.2% of total imports.

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

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