Cotton seeds exports from the United States: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of cotton seeds by the United States reached $4.6 million in 2024 (3.0 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 75 countries. That is 41% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 15% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $21.4 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.6M | 3.0K t |
| 2023 | $7.8M | 6.8K t |
| 2022 | $5.7M | 5.6K t |
| 2021 | $5.0M | 6.0K t |
| 2020 | $15.2M | 9.5K t |
| 2019 | $13.6M | 16.6K t |
| 2018 | $21.4M | 19.6K t |
| 2017 | $14.6M | 9.9K t |
Where the United States exports cotton seeds to
Mexico alone took 66% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Peru grew fastest (+124% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $3.0M | 66% |
| Peru | $501K | 11% |
| Saudi Arabia | $440K | 9.5% |
| Canada | $356K | 7.7% |
| Switzerland | $113K | 2.4% |
| China | $75K | 1.6% |
| Costa Rica | $30K | 0.7% |
| Japan | $28K | 0.6% |
| Chile | $18K | 0.4% |
| Bahamas | $6K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.53 per kg, close to the world average of $1.36.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cotton seeds imports to the United States
Imports of cotton seeds by the United States reached $1.4 million in 2024 (518 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Turkey alone supplied 58% of it. Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+235% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $834K | 58% |
| Israel | $413K | 29% |
| Costa Rica | $156K | 11% |
| Sri Lanka | $18K | 1.2% |
| Pakistan | $11K | 0.8% |
| Australia | $10K | 0.7% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 1207.21: Oil seeds: cotton seeds, seed, whether or not broken.
Common questions
What is the value of cotton seeds exported by the United States?
The United States exported cotton seeds worth $4.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 75 countries worldwide, with 8% of world exports. The value was down 41% on 2023.
Which countries buy cotton seeds from the United States?
Mexico was the largest buyer with 66% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by Peru (11%) and Saudi Arabia (10%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 22 buyer countries in total. Peru grew fastest among the top ten, up 124% on the year.
What is the average export price of cotton seeds per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.53 per kg in 2024, 12% above the world average of $1.36 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of cotton seeds from the United States changed since 2017?
Exports went from $14.6 million in 2017 to $4.6 million in 2024, a fall of 68%. The peak was 2018 at $21.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does the United States also import cotton seeds?
Yes. The United States imported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Turkey, Israel and Costa Rica. On balance the United States is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for cotton seeds?
The HS code for cotton seeds is subheading 1207.21. It sits in HS chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1207 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United States with shipment-level records, updated weekly, so you can see importers and exporters by name with dates, quantities and declared values. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
More trade data for the United States
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