Cottonseed oil-cake market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

Cottonseed oil-cake production in South America reached 1 791 thousand tonnes in 2020, supported by rising demand for cottonseed oil in biodiesel. This was facilitated by logistical integration between cotton farming, oil extraction, and biodiesel plants, alongside an expansion of cotton processing capacity to around 250 facilities in Brazil, which improved efficiency and by‑product output.

After declines in 2019 and 2022, output recovered to 1 886 thousand tonnes in 2023 when the mandatory biodiesel blend in diesel was raised to 15% from August. This mandate boosted domestic demand for cottonseed oil, raising seed value and stimulating crushing activity for oil‑cake.

Throughout the period, a roughly 65% expansion of cotton‑planted area in preceding years and continuous investment in cotton cultivar research strengthened the raw‑material base. Development of protein‑varied products for animal feed and improved oil‑refining processes further diversified the uses of cottonseed oil‑cake.

Production cottonseed oil-cake in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cottonseed oil-cake, 2017-2020

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

In South America, cottonseed oil-cake production reached 1,791 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a significant increase of 56.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 68%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 18.9%. The most notable decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 21.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of cottonseed oil-cake production in South America stood at 482.6 million US dollars in 2020, reflecting a substantial rise of 55.0% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 64%, averaging an annual growth rate of 17.9%. The largest decrease was observed in 2019, with a decline of 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cottonseed oil-cake from South America

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 203 tonnes, then peaked in 2020 at 8,917 tonnes, representing a 44-fold increase between these years. In 2020, South America's cottonseed oil-cake exports surged by 4,300.3% year-over-year. The most significant decline was recorded in 2019, at 86.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South America's cottonseed oil-cake exports in kind were not concentrated among a few key destinations. Oman accounted for 2.1% of exports, Bangladesh for 1.9%, and Japan for 1.3%, with these three countries together representing just 5.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 55 thousand US dollars, then reached their highest level in 2020 at 2,403 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 44-fold gap. In 2020, cottonseed oil-cake deliveries from South America increased by 4,267.9% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 83.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South America's cottonseed oil-cake exports in value terms were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Oman represented 3.1% of export value, Bangladesh 2.8%, and Japan 2.3%, with these three countries collectively accounting for only 8.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cottonseed oil-cake to South America

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2019 at 20,919 tonnes, varying by 2.4 times between these years. In 2020, South America's cottonseed oil-cake import volume amounted to 16,456 tonnes, down by 21.3% from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 84.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the key partner for South America's cottonseed oil-cake imports in kind, accounting for 9.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2019 at 6,099 thousand US dollars, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, South America's cottonseed oil-cake deliveries registered 4,826 thousand US dollars, representing a decline of 20.9% from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 91.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States remained the key supplier of cottonseed oil-cake to South America, accounting for 19.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

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