Cottonseed oil and fractions market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the market volume for cottonseed oil in Sub-Saharan Africa expanded from 185.3 thousand tons to 279.5 thousand tons. This growth was not linear, with a strong surge from 2018 to 2022 where the market size increased by over 57%, reaching 291.4 thousand tons, before a contraction in 2023.

The notable rise in market volume up to 2022 was driven by significant capital investments in local production, most prominently the July 2022 commissioning of Eni's 15 000-ton oilseed collection and pressing plant in Kenya. This facility directly added an estimated 2 500 tons of vegetable oil capacity, strengthening the supply of cottonseed oil for both bio-refineries and food consumption. Concurrently, evolving consumer demand for healthier options, specifically organic, non-GMO, and cold-pressed cottonseed oil, provided a steady pull on the market.

The market volume softened to 279.5 thousand tons in 2023. While local production infrastructure, including the operational Eni plant, remained in place, this moderation coincided with reported global economic and supply chain uncertainties. Demand was partially supported by the diversification of cottonseed oil into non-food applications such as biofuels and cosmetics, alongside the market presence of brands like 'Janmay' offering fixed-price retail packs.

Production cottonseed oil and fractions in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cottonseed oil and fractions, 2017-2020

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

Cottonseed oil and fractions production in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 254.9 thousand tonnes, which represents a 4.1% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 27.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 189.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.0%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase of 29.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of cottonseed oil and fractions output in Sub-Saharan Africa was 373.7 million US dollars, down by 5.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 261.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 33.4%. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 394.4 million US dollars, marking the largest increase of 50.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cottonseed oil and fractions from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

Cottonseed oil and fractions exports from Sub-Saharan Africa have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 13 278 tonnes, a decrease of 26.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 34.8%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 13.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 24 371 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 19.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 26.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia and India together accounted for 4.3% of total exports in volume, making them the primary markets for cottonseed oil and fractions from Sub-Saharan Africa.

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

Exports of cottonseed oil and fractions from Sub-Saharan Africa have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value amounted to 19 465 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp contraction of 32.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 51.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 21.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia was the leading buyer of cottonseed oil and fractions from Sub-Saharan Africa, holding a share of 0.8%.

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 cottonseed oil and fractions to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cottonseed oil and fractions deliveries to Sub-Saharan Africa stood at 29 700 tonnes, showing a steep advance of 176.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 740 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 46.2%.

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

The partner structure for imports in volume from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. Malaysia accounted for 21.9% of imports, Argentina for 15.5%, and Turkey for 8.9%, together making up only 46.2% of total flows, with no single country achieving a dominant share.

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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import volumes dropped to their minimum in 2019 and climbed to their maximum in 2017, representing a 2.4-fold shift. In 2020, imported cottonseed oil and fractions volumes in Sub-Saharan Africa amounted to 17 898 thousand US dollars, indicating an abrupt increase of 83.2% relative to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 9 769 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 45.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of imports in value terms remained scattered. Argentina accounted for 16.8% of imports, Turkey for 13.0%, and the United States for 8.3%, together totaling just 38.1% of total flows, with no partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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