Top Kapokseed Producing Countries

Kapokseed is derived from the kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra), a tropical species native to Central and South America but now widely cultivated in Southeast Asia and West Africa. Today, the top producers of kapokseed are Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, followed by countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines. Historically, kapok trees were first utilized by indigenous peoples in the Amazon for their buoyant fibers, which were used in life jackets and bedding. During the colonial era, European traders recognized the commercial potential of kapok, leading to its introduction and large-scale cultivation in Asian and African colonies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The expansion of global trade networks and the demand for natural fibers in textiles, upholstery, and insulation further spurred kapokseed production, cementing Southeast Asia as the modern hub for kapok cultivation and export.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat