UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
COMMODITIES AT A GLANCE
« Special issue on Cotton in Africa »
N°2 - July 2011
Printed at United Nations, Geneva–GE.11-51099–June 2011–250–UNCTAD/SUC/2011/2
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
COMMODITIES AT A GLANCE
« Special issue on Cotton in Africa »
N°2 - July 2011
Note
INTRODUCTION
This issue of Commodities at a Glance has been prepared by the Special Unit on Commodities
(SUC) of UNCTAD. This quarterly publication aims to collect, present and disseminate accurate and
relevant statistical information linked to international primary commodity markets in a clear,
concise and friendly format.
Given the recent record rises in cotton prices and wider commodity price volatility, this edition of
Commodities at a glance (n°2), will focus on the world cotton industry, with a special emphasis
on African cotton producing countries. The cotton sector in Africa is critical to the provision of
sustainable rural livelihoods and the economic development of these countries. This issue of
Commodities at a glance with its focus on the African cotton sector has been prepared for the
Pan-African Cotton Meeting in June 2011, in Cotonou (Benin).
For further information about this publication, please contact the Special Unit on Commodities
(SUC), UNCTAD, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Genève 10, Switzerland, telephone +41 22 917 5676
e-mail: commodities@unctad.org.
STATISTICAL DATA SOURCES
All Statistical data sources for this publication have been indicated under each specific graph.
Some discrepancies may appear in this document, especially between production and trade
statistics due to the way information is reported by countries.
The share of Africa in cotton lint exports both in 1985/86-1989/90 and 2006/07-2010/11 is higher
than the share of Africa in cotton lint production. This situation is due to the fact that cotton is
mainly grown as an export crop in Africa for international markets, while it is largely processed and
domestically used in other regions.
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Material in this publication may be freely quoted or reprinted, but full acknowledgement is
requested (UNCTAD, Special Unit on Commodities, Commodities at a Glance). A copy of the
publication containing the quotation or reprint should be sent to the UNCTAD secretariat at: Palais
des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland or by e-mail to: commodities@unctad.org.
FREE SUBSCRIPTION
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UNCTAD/SUC/2011/2
2
2
Contents
Note
2
MAKING NEWS THIS QUARTER
5
Facts and figures: International Cotton Market ____________________________
Fig 1. World cotton production and international cotton prices (1985/86 - 2010/11)
Fig 2. (i) Share of cotton trade in global trade of all primary commodities (excl. Fuels), and
(ii) ratio of the cotton price index vis-à-vis the price index of all primary commodities (excl. fuels),
1995 - 2009
Fig 3. Crude petroleum and fertilizer prices (January 1985 - March 2011)
Fig 4. Euro / US dollar exchange rate (January 2000 - March 2011)
7
8
8
Facts and figures: Cotton Lint Production ________________________________
Fig 5. Average annual cotton lint production by region (1985/86 - 1989/90 and 2006/07 - 2010/11)
Fig 6. World and African cotton lint production (1985/86 - 2010/11)
Fig 7.a. African cotton lint production, as a Share of world production (1985/86 - 1989/90)
Fig 7.b. African cotton lint production, as a Share of world production (2006/07 - 2010/11)
Fig 8. Average annual cotton lint production by Africa’s top five producers (1985/86 - 1989/90)
Fig 9. Average annual cotton lint production by Africa’s top five producers (2006/07 - 2010/11)
9
9
11
12
13
13
13
14
14
Facts and figures: Cotton Lint Yields ____________________________________
Fig 10. Cotton lint yields by region (1985/86 - 1989/90 and 2006/07 - 2010/11)
Fig 11. World and African cotton lint production yields (1985/86 - 2010/11)
Fig 12.a. Average cotton yields of African cotton producing countries vs. dependence on cotton exports
(1995 - 1999)
Fig 12.b. Average cotton yields of African cotton producing countries vs. dependence on cotton exports
(2005 - 2009)
Table 1. Ratio of average cotton yields of selected African countries to the World’s average (1985/86 1989/90)
Table 2. Ratio of average cotton yields of selected African countries to the World’s average (2006/07 2010/11)
15
Facts and figures: Cotton Lint Marketing and Trade ________________________
Fig 13. Average annual cotton lint exports by region (1985/86 - 1989/90 and 2006/07 - 2010/11)
Fig 14. Average annual cotton lint imports by region (1985/86 - 1989/90 and 2006/07 - 2010/11)
Fig 15. World and African cotton lint exports (1985/86 - 2010/11)
Fig 16.a. Africa cotton lint exports, as a share of world exports (1985/86 - 1989/90)
Fig 16.b. Africa cotton lint exports, as a share of world exports (2006/07 - 2010/11)
Fig 17. Average annual cotton lint exports by Africa’s top five exporters (1985/86 - 1989/90)
Fig 18. Five main cotton lint exporting countries and the lowest export quantities in Africa
(2006/07 - 2010/11)
19
Facts and figures: Value addition, cotton yarns ____________________________
Fig 19. Average annual cotton yarn production by region (1985 - 1989 and 2007 - 2011)
Fig 20. World and African cotton yarn production (1985 - 2011)
Fig 21.a. African cotton yarn production, as a share of world production (1985 - 1989)
Fig 21.b. African cotton yarn production, as a share of world production (2007 - 2011)
Fig 22. Average annual cotton yarn production by Africa’s top 5 producers (1985 - 1989)
Fig 23. Average annual cotton yarn production by Africa’s top 5 producers (2007 - 2011)
23
Facts and figures: Value addition, cotton fabrics ___________________________
Fig 24. Average annual cotton fabric production by region (1985 – 1989 and 2007 - 2011)
Fig 25. World and African cotton fabric production (1985 - 2011)
Fig 26.a. African cotton fabric production, as a share of world production (1985 - 1989)
Fig 26.b. African cotton fabric production, as a share of world production (2007 - 2011)
Fig 27. Average annual cotton fabric production by Africa’s top 5 producers (1985 - 1989)
Fig 28. Average annual cotton fabric production by Africa’s top 5 producers (2007 - 2011)
27
16
16
17
17
18
18
20
20
21
21
21
22
22
24
25
25
25
26
26
28
29
29
29
30
30
3
MAKING NEWS THIS QUARTER...
5
Making news this quarter...
This quarter’s edition of UNCTAD’s Commodities at a Glance describes world cotton trade, price,
production, and consumption trends, with a particular focus on Africa. The cotton sector is vital for at
least 80 countries, of which 28 are in Africa, and accounts for around 2 per cent of the world’s arable
land. Cotton production and processing is a critically important source of income and employment in
developing countries, including the least developed countries (LDCs) in Africa. China, India, the United
States and Pakistan are the main producers in the world, followed by Brazil and Uzbekistan, who
altogether account for 80 per cent of world cotton production. African cotton lint production accounts for
5 per cent of world production (see figure 7b). Cotton is also a widely traded commodity, involving over
100 countries in both import and exports.
Prior to 2008, the world cotton industry had been experiencing robust demand growth and rising yields.
Over the last 60 years, cotton production once almost quadrupled, from 7 million tons in 1950/51 to 27
million tons in 2006/07, but declined thereafter to 22 million in 2009/10 (see figure 6). The introduction
and adoption of new technologies and expansion of the area under cotton has resulted in significant
production gains in the world. African cotton production peaked in 2004/05 (at around 2 million tons)
and then declined by almost 50 per cent over the next five years (see figure 6). The African CFAF zone
countries were hardest hit with production declines of 55 per cent between 2004/05 and 2008/09 as
compared with a 20 per cent decline in SADC countries.
Since 1985, world cotton yields have risen from around 500 kilograms per hectare to 800 kilograms.
However, these productivity gains have not materialized in Africa. The productivity gap between world
and African cotton lint yields has grown over the past 20 years, with average cotton yields in Africa at
about half the world average. Yields in Africa have declined by 10 per cent during this period (see figures
10 and 11). Growth in Africa’s cotton production has not been based on productivity gains with declining
yields being a key factor (see figure 10).
In 2009/10 African cotton exports accounted for 12.5 per cent of world cotton lint exports, down from
the 21 per cent share achieved in 2003/04. This situation represents a substantial loss of global market
share over the past 5 years. Again, in terms of export performance, the CFAF zone countries were
hardest hit with their cotton exports falling from 14 per cent of world cotton exports (71 per cent of
African cotton exports) to 7 per cent (59 per cent of African cotton exports) during 2003/04 to
2009/10[1]. Finding a solution to the cotton issue might facilitate the conclusion of the WTO Doha Round,
and help African cotton producers achieve stable, predictable and fair prices on the world market.
A particular issue for cotton producing African countries concerns “commodity dependence” as many
countries have experienced unbalanced growth patterns due in part to the high concentration of
merchandise exports in few commodities traded on often volatile world markets. Relying on a few
commodities with uncertain profitability enhances their economic vulnerability.
The cotton-led growth of many African countries has been negatively affected by the growing volatility of
world prices, competing synthetic fibers, and cotton subsidies in the United States, Europe and China.
Nonetheless, there are substantial growth opportunities for African cotton, although some challenges
need to be addressed: (i) improving value addition (and quality), (ii) closing the productivity gap
between Africa and other world producers through farm-level productivity and ginning efficiency; and (iii)
supporting capacities and institutions through the capacity-building of stakeholders, and strengthening of
governance structures. In the short-term, the main threats to the sustainability of the African cotton
sector include: the US dollar:Euro exchange rate, OECD subsidies, a lack of access to finance and
extension services, weak cooperatives / marketing systems and a lack of adapted risk management tools.
All of these issues have to be addressed to enhance the prospects for the competitiveness of Africa’s
cotton
sector.
[1] See European Union - Africa Partnership on Cotton update relating to the EU-Africa partnership on Cotton, June
2010. http://www.coton-acp.org/en/update-relating-european-union-africa-partnership-cotton-june-2010.
6
FACTS AND FIGURES
International Cotton Market
7
Fig 1. World cotton production and international cotton prices
1985/86 – 2010/11
World cotton prices spiked in 2010/11 to double their average price of the last 35 years (1985/86).
World production has increased slightly over the timeframe
30'000
4'000
3'500
25'000
3'000
2'500
15'000
2'000
1'500
10'000
US$ per ton
'000 tons
20'000
1'000
5'000
500
World cotton production
2010/11
2009/10
2008/09
2007/08
2006/07
2005/06
2004/05
2003/04
2002/03
2001/02
2000/01
1999/00
1998/99
1997/98
1996/97
1995/96
1994/95
1993/94
1992/93
1991/92
1990/91
1989/90
1988/89
1987/88
1986/87
1985/86
-
International cotton prices (right scale)
Source: Cotton production: International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)
International Cotton Prices: computed from UNCTAD, UNCTADstat
Note: Crop season – 01/08 to 31/07 of each year
Fig 2. (i) Share of cotton trade in global trade of all primary commodities (excl. Fuels), and
(ii) ratio of the cotton price index visvis-à-vis the price index of all primary commodities (excl.
fuels), 1995 - 2009
The value of cotton trade has decreased relative to all primary commodities (excl. fuels) since 1995.
Furthermore, the price of the cotton has decreased relative to prices of all commodities (excl. fuels). Both the
increase in prices of other commodities and the decrease in cotton prices explain this trend.
1.6%
140%
1.4%
120%
1.2%
100%
1.0%
80%
0.8%
60%
0.6%
40%
0.4%
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
0%
1997
0.0%
1996
20%
1995
0.2%
(i)
(ii)
8
Source: Computed from UNCTAD, UNCTADstat
Note: ratio computed from export value data statistics (SITC Rev 3, 263). Data available from 1995.
Fig 3. Crude petroleum and fertilizer prices,
January 1985 – March 2011
1'400
140
1'200
120
1'000
100
01-2011
01-2010
01-2009
01-2008
01-2007
01-2006
01-2005
01-2004
01-2003
01-2002
01-2001
01-2000
01-1999
01-1998
01-1997
01-1996
01-1995
01-1994
01-1993
01-1992
20
01-1991
200
01-1990
40
01-1989
400
01-1988
60
01-1987
600
01-1986
80
01-1985
800
US$ per barrel
US$ per metric ton
Fertilizer prices are closely linked to oil prices. They spiked in 2008 and continue to be high.
C rude petroleum (right scale)
Diammonium phosphates (DAP)
Potassium C hloride
Urea
Source: UNCTAD, UNCTADstat for crude petroleum prices, WORLD BANK for fertilizers prices
Fig 4. Euro / US dollar exchange rate
January 2000 – March 2011
During most of the last decade, the Euro/US dollar exchange rate has hindered the competitiveness of cotton
produced in the CFA region of West and Central Africa
1.5
Euro / US dollar exchange rate
1.4
1.3
Exports from C FA
franc area more
competitive
1.2
1.1
1.0
Exports from C FA
franc area less
competitive
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
Source: International Monetary Fund, International Financial Statistics
01-2011
07-2010
01-2010
07-2009
01-2009
07-2008
01-2008
07-2007
01-2007
07-2006
01-2006
07-2005
01-2005
07-2004
01-2004
07-2003
01-2003
07-2002
01-2002
07-2001
01-2001
07-2000
01-2000
0.5
9
FACTS AND FIGURES
Cotton Lint Production
11
Fig 5. Average annual cotton lint production by region
1985/86 – 1989/90 and 2006/07 – 2010/11
The volume of cotton produced in Asia has increased by ca. 23% from 1985/86 to 2010/11. The volume of
cotton produced in Africa has decreased by ca. 10% over the same period
20'000
18'000
16'000
'000 tons
14'000
12'000
10'000
8'000
6'000
4'000
2'000
America
Asia
1985/86 - 1989/90
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
12
Africa
Europe
2006/07 - 2010/11
Fig 6. World and African cotton lint production
1985/86 - 2010/11
African cotton lint production increased from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, but declined to preboom levels after 2004/05. World production rose during this time period.
2'500
30'000
25'000
2'000
1'500
15'000
1'000
'000 tons
10'000
500
5'000
World
Africa (right scale)
2015/16
2014/15
2013/14
2012/13
2011/12
2010/11
2009/10
2008/09
2007/08
2006/07
2005/06
2004/05
2003/04
2002/03
2001/02
2000/01
1999/00
1998/99
1997/98
1996/97
1995/96
1994/95
1993/94
1992/93
1991/92
1990/91
1989/90
1988/89
1987/88
1986/87
1985/86
'000 tons
20'000
IC AC forecasts for the next crop seasons
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Note: According to ICAC and USDA, world cotton lint production should strongly increase in 2011/12 (+8%
for USDA and +10% for ICAC).
Fig 7.a. African cotton lint production,
as a Share of world production
1985/86 -1989/90
Fig 7.b. African cotton lint production,
as a Share of world production
2006/07 – 2010/11
The share of African cotton lint production has contracted in the last 20 years as African production fell by
10% and world production rose by 26%
Africa
7%
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Africa
5%
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
13
Fig 8. Average annual cotton lint production by Africa’
Africa’s top five producers
1985/86 – 1989/90
Cotton lint production volumes exhibit greater uniformity across the top 5 African producers in
the last 20 years.
400
The production of the top 5
African producers is equal to
61% of the total African
cotton production
350
300
'000 tons
250
200
150
100
50
Egypt
Sudan
C ôte d'Ivoire
Zimbabwe
Mali
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Note: * 22 countries
Average for
other African
producers*
Fig 9. Average annual cotton lint production by Africa’
Africa’s top five producers
2006/07 – 2010/11
Changes in the ranking of the top 5 producers were due to: (i) the onset of civil strife disrupting trade flows
in Sudan and Côte d’Ivoire; (ii) the introduction of GM cotton in Burkina Faso; and (iii) supportive sectoral
and institutional reforms in Tanzania during the mid-1990s.
The production of the top 5
African producers is equal to
54% of the total African
cotton production
400
350
300
'000 tons
250
200
150
100
50
Burkina Faso
Egypt
Mali
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Note: * 21 countries
14
Zimbabwe
Tanzania
Average for
other African
producers*
FACTS AND FIGURES
Cotton Lint Yields
15
Fig 10. Cotton lint yields by region
1985/86 – 1989/90 and 2006/07 – 2010/11
Average cotton lint production yields in Africa over the last 20 years were about half the world average.
Yields have decreased in Europe and Africa by ca. 10% over the last 20 years.
1'200
1'000
kg/Ha
800
600
400
200
America
Asia
1985/86 - 1989/90
Africa
Europe
World
2006/07 - 2010/11
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Fig 11. World and African cotton lint production yields
1985/86 - 2010/11
The gap between world and African cotton yields has grown over the last 20 years.
900
800
700
kg / Ha
600
500
400
300
200
100
World
Africa
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
16
2010/11
2009/10
2008/09
2007/08
2006/07
2005/06
2004/05
2003/04
2002/03
2001/02
2000/01
1999/00
1998/99
1997/98
1996/97
1995/96
1994/95
1993/94
1992/93
1991/92
1990/91
1989/90
1988/89
1987/88
1986/87
1985/86
-
Fig 12.a. Average cotton yields of African cotton producing countries
countries vs. dependence on
cotton exports, 1995 - 1999
1'000
900
800
Egypt
150 million US$
C ôte d'Ivoire
Ethiopia
300 million US$
Benin
90 million US$
C ameroon
Sudan
80 million US$
Madagascar
Zimbabwe
Senegal
Burundi
Uganda
Nigeria
400
Burkina Faso
135 million US$
C entral Afr. Rep.
20 million US$
Zambia
500
Mali
230 million US$
Togo
300
C had
Tanzania
190 million US$
0%
5%
200
100
Mozambique
-5%
600
Yield (kg/Ha)
700
10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90%
C otton export dependence (see notes)
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics (yields) and UNCTADstat (export revenues)
Note: Dependence on cotton exports is calculated based on SITC rev 3: 263.
The size of the bubbles is proportional to total cotton export revenues in US$.
Data are available from 1995.
Fig 12.b. Average cotton yields of African cotton producing countries
countries vs. dependence on
cotton exports, 2005 - 2009
1'000
Egypt
180 million US$
900
Since 1985, Egypt is the African
country with the highest level
of productivity. Its crop is
mainly based on irrigation.
140 million US$
C ameroon
Sudan
170 million US$
Mali
230 million US$
Zimbabwe
Nigeria
Uganda
Cotton lint exports account
for a large share of total
exports in Benin, Burkina
Faso and Chad.
Burkina Faso
C ôte d'Ivoire
Senegal
700
C had
100 million US$
Togo
Mozambique
Tanzania 40 million US$
0%
5%
500
400
300
200
100
A large number of African countries
rely upon cotton exports.
-5%
600
Yield (kg/Ha)
300 million US$
Benin
800
10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90%
C otton export dependence (see notes)
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics (yields) and UNCTADstat (export revenues)
Note: Dependence on cotton exports is calculated based on SITC rev 3: 263.
The size of the bubbles is proportional to total cotton export revenues in US$.
17
Table 1. Ratio of average cotton yields of selected African countries
countries to the World’
World’s average
(1985/86 – 1989/90)
Rank
Country
Ratio compared
to the world
Rank
Country
Ratio compared
to the world
1
Egypt
1.48
15
Zimbabwe
0.68
2
Morocco
1.08
16
South Africa
0.67
3
Côte d'Ivoire
1.04
Africa
0.66
World
1.00
17
Niger
0.54
4
Cameroon
0.93
18
Chad
0.51
5
Mali
0.90
19
Ghana
0.51
6
Tunisia
0.87
20
Zambia
0.36
7
Madagascar
0.84
21
Central Afr. Rep.
0.35
8
Ethiopia
0.80
22
Angola
0.35
9
Sudan
0.80
23
Kenya
0.31
10
Togo
0.79
24
Tanzania
0.27
11
Senegal
0.76
25
DRC
0.21
12
Burkina Faso
0.76
26
Nigeria
0.17
13
Benin
0.75
27
Mozambique
0.15
14
Burundi
0.73
28
Uganda
0.05
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Table 2. Ratio of average cotton yields of selected African countries
countries to the World’
World’s average
(2006/07 – 2010/11)
20 years ago, Egypt, Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire had production yields above the world average. Today, only
South Africa and Egypt have production yields above the world average. However, yield disparities between
African countries appear to have reduced.
Rank
18
Country
Ratio compared
to the world
1
South Africa
1.25
2
Egypt
1.11
World
3
Rank
Country
Ratio compared
to the world
Africa
0.43
15
Malawi
0.39
1.00
16
Angola
0.38
Benin
0.58
17
Zimbabwe
0.37
4
Niger
0.57
18
DRC
0.35
5
Cameroon
0.56
19
Togo
0.35
6
Sudan
0.53
20
Guinea
0.34
7
Ghana
0.53
21
Central Afr. Rep.
0.32
8
Mali
0.51
22
Nigeria
0.29
9
Senegal
0.51
23
Tanzania
0.28
10
Burkina Faso
0.50
24
Uganda
0.26
11
Côte d'Ivoire
0.48
25
Kenya
0.26
12
Ethiopia
0.44
26
Zambia
0.24
13
Madagascar
0.44
27
Chad
0.23
14
Burundi
0.44
28
Mozambique
0.18
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
FACTS AND FIGURES
Cotton Lint Marketing and Trade
19
Fig 13. Average annual cotton lint exports by region
1985/86 – 1989/90 and 2006/07 – 2010/11
African cotton lint exports to the world has increased by ca. 26% over the last 20 years;
exports from America increased by ca. 95%.
4'000
3'500
3'000
'000 tons
2'500
2'000
1'500
1'000
500
America
1985/86 - 1989/90
Asia
Africa
Europe
2006/07 - 2010/11
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Fig 14. Average annual cotton lint imports by region
1985/86 – 1989/90 and 2006/07 – 2010/11
The volume of cotton lint imported by Asia has more than doubled in the last 20 years,
mainly due to Chinese imports. African imports continue to be marginal
7'000
6'000
'000 tons
5'000
4'000
3'000
2'000
1'000
America
1985/86 - 1989/90
20
Asia
2006/07 - 2010/11
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Africa
Europe
Fig 15. World and African cotton lint exports
1985/86 - 2010/11
In line with the fall in production, African cotton lint exports increased from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s,
but have declined to pre-boom levels since 2005/06.
12'000
1'800
1'600
10'000
1'400
1'200
1'000
6'000
800
4'000
'000 tons
'000 tons
8'000
600
400
2'000
200
World
2010/11
2009/10
2008/09
2007/08
2006/07
2005/06
2004/05
2003/04
2002/03
2001/02
2000/01
1999/00
1998/99
1997/98
1996/97
1995/96
1994/95
1993/94
1992/93
1991/92
1990/91
1989/90
1988/89
1987/88
1986/87
1985/86
-
Africa (right scale)
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Fig 16.a. Africa cotton lint exports,
as a share of world exports
1985/86 -1989/90
Fig 16.b. Africa cotton lint exports,
as a share of world exports
2006/07 – 2010/11
The share of Africa in world cotton lint exports both in 1985/86-1989/90 and 2006/07-2010/11 is higher
than the share of Africa in world cotton lint production. This situation is due to the fact that cotton is mainly
grown as an export crop in Africa and exported as such to international markets, while it is largely processed
and internally used in other regions. Despite an increase in export quantities by ca. 20’000 tons, the share of
African cotton lint exports has contracted in the last 20 years. During the “boom period” (1995/96 –
2005/06), Africa’s export share in the world was 18%.
Africa
15%
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Africa
13%
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
21
Fig 17. Average annual cotton lint exports by Africa’
Africa’s top five exporters
1985/86 – 1989/90
The exports of the top 5 African exporters
was equal to 61% of total African cotton
exports.
250
200
'000 tons
150
100
50
Sudan
Egypt
C ôte d'Ivoire
Mali
Zimbabwe
Average for
other African
exporters*
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Note: * 18 countries
Some discrepancies may appear in this document, especially between production and trade statistics due to the
way information is reported by countries.
Fig 18. The Five main cotton lint African exporting countries
2006/07 – 2010/11
Changes in the ranking of the top 5 exporters were due to: (i) the onset of civil strife disrupting trade
flows in Sudan and Côte d’Ivoire, and (ii) the introduction of GM cotton in Burkina Faso.
The exports of the top 5 African exporters
was equal to 58% of total African cotton
exports.
250
'000 tons
200
150
100
50
Burkina Faso
Mali
Benin
Zimbabwe
Egypt
Average for
other African
exporters*
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Note: * 19 countries
Some discrepancies may appear in this document, especially between production and trade statistics due to the
way information is reported by countries.
22
FACTS AND FIGURES
Value addition – Cotton Yarns
23
Fig 19. Average annual cotton yarn production by region
1985 – 1989 and 2007 - 2011
Cotton yarn production has been multiplied by 3.6 in Asia/Oceania over the last 20 years. This is mainly due
to: (i) the rapid growth in demand for cotton products in Asia (especially, China); and (ii) improved
infrastructural, industrial and technological conditions. In contrast, in Africa the volume of yarn production
remains marginal relative to the continent’s lint production.
35'000
32'090
30'000
'000 tons
25'000
20'000
15'000
8'928
10'000
5'000
3'821
2'298 2'429
472
330
788
America
1985 - 1989
Asia / Oceania
2007 - 2011
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
24
Africa
Europe
Fig 20. World and African cotton yarn production
1985 - 2011
While the volume of yarn produced in the world has almost tripled over the last 20 years,
production in Africa has halved since the early 1990s, largely due to the low adoption of new
technologies, declining yields, climatic variability and low ginning capacity.
40'000
600
35'000
500
30'000
400
20'000
300
15'000
'000 tons
'000 tons
25'000
200
10'000
100
5'000
World
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
-
Africa (right scale)
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Fig 21.a. African cotton yarn production,
as a share of world production
1985 - 1989
Fig 21.b. African cotton yarn production,
as a share of world production
2007 - 2011
The share of African cotton yarn production has contracted in the last 20 years to 1% of global production
Africa
3%
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Africa
1%
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
25
Fig 22. Average annual cotton yarn production by Africa’
Africa’s top 5 producers
1985 – 1989
The yarn production of Africa’s top producer, Egypt, has fell by 50% over the last 20 years. This is mainly due
to: (i) the decrease in demand for Egyptian cotton (considered a luxury product); (ii) a decline in the amount of
land under cotton; and (iii) the removal of subsidies and privatization of the sector in the mid-1990s.
The production of the top 5 african
producers accounts for 88% of total
African cotton yarn production.
300
250
'000 tons
200
150
100
50
Average for
other African
cotton yarn
producers*
Cote d'Ivoire
Algeria
South Africa
Morocco
Egypt
-
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Note: * 10 countries
Fig 23. Average annual cotton yarn production by Africa’
Africa’s top 5 producers
2007 – 2011
Nigeria and Tanzania have joined the ranks of the top five producers. In Nigeria, this was due to: (i) higher
cotton seed prices; (ii) lower producer prices for competing crops since 2000; and (iii) various government
stimulus measures for cotton producers. In Tanzania, sectoral and institutional reforms have been
implemented during the 1990s.
The production of the top 5 african
producers accounts for 86% of total
African cotton yarn production.
300
250
'000 tons
200
150
100
50
South Africa
Tanzania
Nigeria
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Note: * 13 countries
Average for
other African
cotton yarn
producers*
26
Morocco
Egypt
-
FACTS AND FIGURES
Value addition – Cotton Fabrics
27
Fig 24. Average annual cotton fabric production by region
1985 – 1989 and 2007 - 2011
Cotton fabric production has almost tripled in Asia/Oceania over the last 20 years. This is mainly due to: (i)
the rapid growth in demand for cotton products in Asia (especially, China); and (ii) improved infrastructural,
industrial and technological conditions. In contrast, in Africa, the volume of cotton fabric production has
increased only slightly and remains marginal relative to the volume of lint produced. This is largely due to
the low adoption of new technologies, declining yields, climatic variability and low ginning capacity.
18'000
15'728
16'000
14'000
'000 tons
12'000
10'000
8'000
5'566
6'000
4'000
2'391
2'000
1'381 1'324
241
260
701
America
1985 - 1989
Asia / Oceania
2007 - 2011
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
28
Africa
Europe
Fig 25. World and African cotton fabric production
1985 - 2011
The volume of fabric produced in the world has almost doubled over the last 20 years. Production in Africa has
remained relatively stable with a significant dip in the late 1990s and a speedy recovery in 2004, mainly due to
the reduction of cotton lint and yarn production in Africa (see figures 6 and 22).
25'000
300
250
20'000
15'000
150
10'000
'000 tons
'000 tons
200
100
5'000
50
World
2'010
2'009
2'008
2'007
2'006
2'005
2'004
2'003
2'002
2'001
2'000
1'999
1'998
1'997
1'996
1'995
1'994
1'993
1'992
1'991
1'990
1'989
1'988
1'987
1'986
1'985
-
Africa (right scale)
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Fig 26.a. African cotton fabric production,
as a share of world production
1985 - 1989
Fig 26.b. African cotton fabric production,
as a share of world production
2007 - 2011
The share of African cotton fabric production has contracted in the last 20 years to 1% of global production.
Africa
3%
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Africa
1%
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
29
Fig 27. Average annual cotton fabric production by Africa’
Africa’s top 5 producers
1985 – 1989
Cotton fabric production is highly concentrated in Africa and this trend has increased over
the last 20 years.
The production of the top 5 african
producers accounts fo 75% of total
African cotton fabric production.
140
120
'000 tons
100
80
60
40
20
Average for
other African
cotton fabric
producers*
Zambia
Tanzania
Morocco
South Africa
Egypt
-
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Note: * 10 countries
Fig 28. Average annual cotton fabric production by Africa’
Africa’s top 5 producers
2007 – 2011
Cotton fabric production has tripled in Tanzania and dramatically declined in Egypt and South Africa. Nigeria
has emerged as a significant producer of fabric. In Egypt, the decrease is mainly due: (i) the decline in the
demand for Egyptian cotton; (ii) a decline in the amount of land under cotton; and (iii) the removal of
subsidies and privatization of the sector in the mid-1990s.
140
The production of the top 5 african
producers accounts for 90% of total
African cotton fabric production.
120
'000 tons
100
80
60
40
20
30
Average for
other African
cotton fabric
producers*
South Africa
Source: UNCTAD computations from ICAC statistics
Note: * 11 countries
Nigeria
Morocco
Egypt
Tanzania
-
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
COMMODITIES AT A GLANCE
« Special issue on Cotton in Africa »
N°2 - July 2011
Printed at United Nations, Geneva–GE.11-51099–June 2011–250–UNCTAD/SUC/2011/2