Cottonseed oil-cake market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for cottonseed oil-cake in the MENA region varied significantly between 2018 and 2023. It expanded to 274 thousand tons in 2019, then contracted over the next two years, falling to 216.6 thousand tons in 2020 before a partial recovery to 228.7 thousand tons in 2021. The market shrank again to 205.3 thousand tons in 2022, then grew moderately to 217.2 thousand tons in 2023.

Domestic production followed a similar pattern, dropping to 142.9 thousand tons in 2020 and then climbing steadily to 191.2 thousand tons by 2023. Imports, which had contributed substantially to supply, decreased sharply from 84.7 thousand tons in 2019 to 29.5 thousand tons in 2023. During the same period, exports began to rise from negligible levels, reaching 3.4 thousand tons in 2023.

By 2023, the total market size remained below its 2019 peak, reflecting a shift in supply structure with reduced import reliance and the emergence of export activity.

Production cottonseed oil-cake in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cottonseed oil-cake, 2017-2020

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

Following two consecutive years of growth, MENA's cottonseed oil-cake production experienced a decline. In 2019, production reached its peak at 189.6 thousand tons, marking a 15.6% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, output had fallen to 142.9 thousand tons, representing a significant drop of 24.6% compared to 2019. Over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 5.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.9%.

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

Exports cottonseed oil-cake from MENA

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. In 2017, export volumes reached their highest point, while in 2020, they hit their lowest, with a dramatic peak-to-trough ratio of 1 273 times. Specifically, MENA exported just 3 tons of cottonseed oil-cake in 2020, reflecting a steep decline of 99.0% from the previous year. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 99.4%, whereas the most substantial increase was recorded in 2019 at 1 116.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece and Free Zones remained the primary markets for exports in kind, collectively accounting for 91.9% of total flows. Other partners made up the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations throughout the period. Export values peaked in 2017 and then dropped to their lowest point in 2018, representing a 150-fold shift. In 2020, cottonseed oil-cake exports from MENA amounted to 34 thousand US dollars, down by 60.2% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 7 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 99.3%, while the most significant increase was in 2019 at 1 188.6%.

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

During 2017–2020, Greece and Free Zones continued to be the key destinations for exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 86.9% of total flows. Other partners individually contributed much less significantly.

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

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

Imports cottonseed oil-cake to MENA

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, MENA's imported cottonseed oil-cake volumes stood at 73 734 tons, indicating a strong decline of 13.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 18.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 16.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 12.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece (30.8% of imports in kind), Turkey (25.9% of imports in kind), and Azerbaijan (12.1% of imports in kind) consistently held leading positions in the country structure of imports in kind. Together, they accounted for 68.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, MENA's volume of cottonseed oil-cake imports saw an increase. In 2019, imports reached their lowest point at 17 258 thousand US dollars, marking a 31.7% decrease from the previous year. By 2020, imports had risen to 17 997 thousand US dollars, up by 4.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 44.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.7%.

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

In 2017–2020, Greece (38.5% of imports in value terms), Turkey (19.2% of imports in value terms), and Switzerland (9.4% of imports in value terms) accounted for the largest share of imports in value terms. Collectively, they comprised 67.1% of total flows.

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

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