Cottonseed oil and fractions market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the European cottonseed oil market experienced steady growth, with volume rising from 51 364 t to 62 494 t. This expansion was primarily driven by increasing consumer preference for healthy, organic, and non-GMO vegetable oils, which boosted demand. The development of cold-pressing techniques further enhanced product appeal by preserving nutrients and flavor. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased demand for cooking oils for home use during lockdowns, providing an additional uplift to market consumption.

The market stabilized in 2021 at around 61 900 t, while witnessing the entry of new players and investments in production capacity, such as Shree Ram Proteins Limited's new refining facilities. In 2022, market volume surged by 27% to reach 78 703 t, largely due to a substantial rise in imports, supported by global demand for organic and sustainable oils and favorable regulatory measures in some regions. However, in 2023, the market contracted sharply to 52 033 t as imports fell and exports increased, even as demand for non-GMO variants and product innovations in personal care applications continued to shape industry trends.

In 2024, import and export volumes remained significant, while market dynamics were influenced by persistent global supply chain challenges, economic uncertainties, and sustained consumer shifts towards cold-pressed and 'better-for-you' oil options.

Production cottonseed oil and fractions in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cottonseed oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of cottonseed oil and fractions, 2017-2020

Europe's production of cottonseed oil and fractions has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, Europe produced 61 488 tonnes of cottonseed oil and fractions, showing a moderate 9.2% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 45.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.3%.

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

Exports cottonseed oil and fractions from Europe

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of decline, Europe's export volume of cottonseed oil and fractions increased in 2020. Europe exported 1 862 tonnes of cottonseed oil and fractions in 2020, representing a sharp 36.1% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 37.7%, with an average annual decline of 14.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 368 tonnes, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 44.3% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of Europe's cottonseed oil and fractions exports was highly diversified. Japan accounted for 5.6% of exports in kind, Israel for 3.2%, and Cyprus for 2.1%, together making up just 10.9% of total flows. The remaining 89.1% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of cottonseed oil and fractions exported from Europe declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Europe exported 3 282 thousand US dollars worth of cottonseed oil and fractions, marking a 6.4% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 45.4%, equating to an average annual decline of 18.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the value of cottonseed oil and fractions exports from Europe was widely dispersed across partner countries. Japan accounted for 5.8% of exports in value terms, the United States for 3.7%, and Israel for 3.3%, together representing only 12.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports cottonseed oil and fractions to Europe

Imports in kind, t

Europe's import volume of cottonseed oil and fractions declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 2 868 tonnes, indicating a modest 3.3% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 82.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 43.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and the United States consistently remained the main sources for Europe's cottonseed oil and fractions imports in kind. Turkey accounted for 5.8% of imports in kind, Kazakhstan for 1.5%, and the United States for 1.0%, together making up 8.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of contraction, Europe's import value of cottonseed oil and fractions increased in 2020. Imports reached 6 394 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a strong 24.2% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 71.6%, with an average annual decline of 34.2%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 5 149 thousand US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 52.4% decrease.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey, the United States, and Kazakhstan remained the key partners for Europe's cottonseed oil and fractions imports in value terms. Turkey accounted for 5.6% of imports in value terms, the United States for 5.2%, and Kazakhstan for 1.1%, together making up 11.9% of total flows.

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

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