Top Kapok Fruit Producing Countries

Kapok fruit, harvested from the kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra), is primarily farmed in tropical regions, with Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and some parts of West Africa—such as Ghana and Nigeria—being the top producers today. The cultivation of kapok dates back centuries in Southeast Asia and Central and South America, where indigenous peoples valued the tree for its lightweight, water-resistant fibers used in bedding, life jackets, and insulation. The kapok tree was introduced to other tropical regions during the colonial era, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, as European traders recognized the commercial potential of kapok fiber. Over time, Indonesia emerged as the leading producer, thanks to its favorable climate and established agricultural practices. Modern kapok farming remains concentrated in these regions, where the fruit’s fiber continues to be a valuable natural resource, although synthetic fibers have reduced its global demand.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat