Cottonseed oil-cake market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for cottonseed oil-cake in Eastern Asia expanded from 4 704 thousand tons in 2018 to 4 849 thousand tons in 2023, showing moderate but consistent growth. This initial expansion was supported by stable cottonseed supplies and the implementation of the national grain circulation statistical survey system, which standardized market management for oils and oilseeds including cottonseed oil. Concurrently, the cottonseed oil industry entered a phase of rapid development fueled by technological innovation and supply chain improvements, which bolstered the output of oil-cake as a by-product.

Market growth experienced a brief moderation during 2020-2021, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and tightening environmental regulations. The pandemic spurred global demand for healthy plant-based extracts, increasing the use of cottonseed derivatives in animal feed additives and supporting consumption. However, stricter enforcement of solid waste pollution prevention laws and the launch of the national soil remediation plan under the 14th Five-Year Plan raised environmental compliance requirements for the industry. Global trade frictions and supply chain disruptions in 2022 further prompted sectoral adjustments, yet the market continued its upward trajectory due to sufficient domestic supply and ongoing industrial adaptation.

In 2023, the market volume rose by 2.9% to reach 4 849 thousand tons. This acceleration was driven by sustained demand for refined cottonseed oil, significant technological advances such as supercritical fluid extraction that improved processing efficiency, and growing consumer health awareness promoting product diversification. By 2024, further strengthening of solid waste management policies and a continued focus on sustainable processing techniques continued to shape the market environment, supporting the broader application of cottonseed oil-cake across various sectors.

Production cottonseed oil-cake in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cottonseed oil-cake, 2017-2020

World map of production of cottonseed oil-cake, 2017-2020

Eastern Asia's cottonseed oil-cake production grew for two consecutive years before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 4,749 thousand tonnes. However, in 2020, output fell to 4,663 thousand tonnes, marking a 1.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 7.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 7.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Eastern Asia's cottonseed oil-cake production value declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, production value peaked at 1,409 million US dollars. By 2020, the value had dropped to 1,257 million US dollars, representing a 1.6% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 4.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 17.5%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 9.4% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cottonseed oil-cake from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 at 20 tonnes, which was a sharp 39.7% decrease from 2019. In contrast, exports peaked in 2018 at 121 tonnes. The difference between the peak and trough was substantial, with 2018 volumes being 6.1 times higher than those in 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 72.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 189.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tonga was the leading buyer of cottonseed oil-cake from Eastern Asia, accounting for 0.9% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Export value hit its lowest point in 2020 at 5,000 US dollars, representing a 39.6% decrease from 2019. The peak occurred in 2018 at 37,000 US dollars. The difference between these years was significant, with 2018 values being 6.8 times higher than those in 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 75.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 215.9%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Tonga was the largest destination for Eastern Asia's cottonseed oil-cake exports in value terms, accounting for 2.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cottonseed oil-cake to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Eastern Asia's cottonseed oil-cake imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 32,043 tonnes, up 5.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 109.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 28.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania and India together accounted for 92.3% of total imports in volume terms, with the remaining flows distributed across other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Eastern Asia's cottonseed oil-cake import value declined. In 2019, import value reached its peak at 9,335 thousand US dollars. By 2020, the value had fallen to 9,257 thousand US dollars, marking a 0.8% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 53%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 15.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 35.7%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Tanzania (44.5% of import value), India (34.1% of import value), and the United States (15.5% of import value) were the key partners for Eastern Asia's cottonseed oil-cake imports, together accounting for 94.1% of total import flows.

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

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