Cottonseed oil and fractions market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The cottonseed oil market in Western Africa expanded significantly in physical volume from 94.6 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 166.6 thousand tons in 2022, driven primarily by a surge in domestic production from 104.1 thousand tons to 174.0 thousand tons over the same period. This growth trajectory was interrupted in 2023 when the market contracted to 133.8 thousand tons, aligning with a drop in production.

Benin has been a notable regional exporter of cottonseed oil, with state-influenced companies or producers active in the market. Their presence, highlighted by $16 million in exports from Benin in 2021, contributed to the trade dynamics and production capacity within Western Africa during the period of market expansion.

The market is also influenced by broader global trends, including rising demand for non-GMO and organic cottonseed oil, health-conscious consumer preferences, and a shift toward mechanical oilseed processing methods that aim to lower environmental impact and production costs. These factors shape longer-term production and consumption patterns in the region.

Production cottonseed oil and fractions in Western 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

In Western Africa, cottonseed oil and fractions production reached 138.2 thousand tonnes in 2020, showing a modest decline of 4.4% compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.4%, which translates to an average annual increase of 2.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 104.1 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 144.6 thousand tonnes. The most significant drop in production happened in 2018, falling by 18.4%, whereas the largest surge was observed in 2019, jumping by 38.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of cottonseed oil and fractions produced in Western Africa stood at 202.6 million US dollars in 2020, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.9% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 147.9 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 206.5 million US dollars. The sharpest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 23.3%, and the most substantial increase took place in 2019, rising by 39.6%.

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

Exports cottonseed oil and fractions from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

Western Africa's exports of cottonseed oil and fractions have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, export volumes amounted to 4 501 tonnes, marking a significant decrease of 67.2% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 77.3%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 39.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India was the leading buyer of cottonseed oil and fractions from Western Africa, consistently accounting for 0.7% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of cottonseed oil and fractions exported from Western Africa has dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 6 599 thousand US dollars, representing a 66.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value declined by 78%, with a compound annual growth rate of -39.7%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, India topped the list of buyers for cottonseed oil and fractions from Western Africa, making up 0.6% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports cottonseed oil and fractions to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imports of cottonseed oil and fractions into Western Africa have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume was 1 762 tonnes, which is 54.4% lower than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 74.9%, equating to an average annual reduction of 36.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 8 903 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 56.6%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 26.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore were key suppliers of cottonseed oil and fractions to Western Africa, contributing 11.5%, 9.5%, and 7.5% of imports in volume terms, respectively. However, their combined share only reached 28.5% of total imports, with the remaining 71.5% spread across numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of cottonseed oil and fractions imported into Western Africa has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 2 474 thousand US dollars, showing a 15.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, import value fell by 78%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 39.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Western Africa's suppliers of cottonseed oil and fractions were diverse. Malaysia, Indonesia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 5.9%, 5.0%, and 4.6% of imports in value terms, respectively, but together they contributed only 15.5% of total imports. Many other countries held smaller yet notable shares in the import market.

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

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