Cotton Seed Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Type (Upland Cotton, Tree Cotton, Extra-long Staple Cotton, and Levant Cotton), By Application (Agriculture, Food, Textile, Pharmaceutical, and Cosmetic) and Region Forecast 2019-2030

The cotton seed market size was valued at US$ 12,892.1 million in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of US$ 17,310.7 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2024-2030. Moreover, the U.S. cotton seed market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 6,082.5 million by 2032.

Cottonseed is the seed of a cotton plant. The developed seeds are thickly secured with white or corroded, long, and wooly hairs. This is the prime product used to make cotton material. After isolation from the build-up at the gin, cotton seed consists of three parts: linters, short filaments; hulls, an extreme protective coating for the kernel; and protein and oil-rich kernel itself. Cotton seeds commercially available are usually produced in the production of cotton fiber by a cotton gin, separating build-up from seeds.

Key Players

The global cotton seed market share is inclusive of several companies such as BASF, Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences (Corteva Agriscience), and Syngenta all renowned for their innovative varieties through genetic modification. Other giants in the sector after Monsanto, which currently falls under Bayer, include Advanta Seeds, Mahyco, Nuziveedu Seeds, Kaveri Seed Company, and Rasi Seeds specializes in hybrid varieties with local adaptations.

Bayer Crop Science is the most significant player in the agricultural sector, particularly after the acquisition of Monsanto. The company is best known for innovative genetically modified cotton varieties which are rich in pest resistance and higher yield. Corteva Agriscience was, in essence, an offshoot of DowDuPont, specializing in developing cutting-edge agricultural solutions like cotton seeds. Corteva is now particularly recognized for its research and innovation platforms, having seeds designed to work under varying climatic conditions and adapt accordingly.

Key Takeaways

• Asia-Pacific is one of the Biggest Markets.
• By type, the tree cotton segment holds 43.8% market share of cotton seeds.
• By application, the textile segment holds 36.7% market share.

Facts & Figures

• In the 2020/2021 crop year, global cottonseed production was approximately 46.6 million metric tons.
• As of 2021, the United States, India, and China were the top three producers of cottonseed, contributing to over 70% of total global production.
• As of 2023, the United States, India, and China continued to be the top three producers of cottonseed, contributing over 70% of global production.

Key Developments

• In December 2021, Crystal Crop Protection acquired the seeds business of Bayer in India, comprising Cotton, Mustard, Pearl Millet, and Grain Sorghum hybrids. This acquisition strengthens the company's business.
• In March 2022, Shree Ram Proteins Ltd set up a new oil refinery to fulfill consumer demand. The company will launch rape seed oil, groundnut oil, and cottonseed oil by the end of January 2023.

Cotton Seed Market Segmentation

By Type: Upland Cotton, is the most commonly grown with the global production at around 90%. It produces medium-length staple fibers good for denim and casualwear. The wild tree cotton is essentially the original species that came from the Indian subcontinent, producing shorter staple fibers with the advantage of more pest-resistant varieties, though of much less commercial value at present. Extra-long Staple Cotton is in demand for extremely long and fine fibers, ideal for lustrous fabrics. This type of cotton is used by high-priced clothing producers. Finally, Levant Cotton which comes from the Middle East, has a smaller fiber length and is not too evident except in traditional textile applications, which still greatly contributes to local marketplaces.

By Application: Based on the application, cotton is used in the textile and apparel industry for clothing and home furnishings, such as bed linens and towels, because it is comfortable and hard-wearing. In the industrial sector, cotton is used in medical supplies, geotextiles, and as a material for erosion control. The food industry uses cottonseed oil as a cooking oil and cottonseed meal as a high-protein animal feed. Cotton is employed in cosmetics and personal care, utilizing its moisturizing properties and fibers to create handicrafts and other textile forms of art.