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World - Cotton Lint - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights
Report Update: Apr 1, 2024

World - Cotton Lint - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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Article Publishing Date: Jun 17, 2021

Cotton Prices to Rise Due to the Textile Industry’s Demand Booming Over the Supply

IndexBox has just published a new report: 'World - Cotton Lint - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights'. Here is a summary of the report's key findings.

After stagnating during the pandemic, the textile industry has begun to strongly recover and the demand for cotton has risen. It is expected that cotton consumption in 2021 will grow faster than the supply. This will lead to a reduction in global cotton stocks and higher prices. The issues of sustainability and ethical background become increasingly important in the transformation of cotton supply chains.

Key Trends and Insights

With increased demand from the textile industry, global cotton stocks fell to a three-year low. Although cotton production is projected to increase by 5% in 2021, the demand will outpace supply which will raise prices further. In the medium term, the main driver of growth in the cotton market will be the demand for textiles from the growing global population.

According to a recent report by the World Bank, the average price for raw cotton in the first quarter of 2021 was $1.64 per kg, which is 3% higher than the average price in 2020. In the fourth quarter of 2021, prices are projected to rise to $1.72 per kg.

Despite the positive dynamics, cotton production in 2021 will not return to the record levels of 2019. High cotton yields are projected in the U.S. (+523K tons), Brazil (+436K tons) and Australia (+239K tons), Pakistan (+174K tons) due to favorable weather conditions and the increasing harvested area. China, on the other hand, will lower cotton production and give way to India as the main producer with a 24% share of the world total.

The highest growth rates for the cotton industry and demand for cotton are expected in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Turkey and China. The first four countries mentioned are becoming center points for the global textile industry due to cheap labor. In China and Turkey, the populations' rising incomes will make production less competitive. It is assumed that domestic production will not be able to fully meet the demand of the cotton industry in China, and the country will have to increase its imports.

Strong competition from other natural and functionally similar materials such as hemp or flax as well as synthetic textile materials will hold back market growth. Hemp is more convenient to grow than cotton as it consumes 5 times less water, while cotton production is considered “environmentally harmful” because it uses large amounts of insecticides. In some countries, forced labor is supposed to be used on cotton plantations. The environmental issues and labor rights violations lead to increased consumer attention to the ethical side of the cotton market. This forces major apparel companies to shift supply chains toward cotton suppliers with a proven and traceable environmental and ethical background.

The issue of creating a cost-effective recycling technology for cotton to be sustainable is now becoming increasingly important. The production of cotton fibers involves a huge amount of water consumption, and cotton recycling will significantly reduce these volumes and maintain the stability of natural water resources.

Cotton Exports by Country

In 2020, shipments abroad of cotton lint decreased by -9.2% to 8.1M tons for the first time since 2016, thus ending a three-year rising trend. In value terms, cotton lint exports shrank sharply to $13.1B (IndexBox estimates) in 2020.

In 2020, the U.S. (3.8M tons) was the key exporter of cotton lint, comprising 47% of total exports. It was distantly followed by India (965K tons) and Brazil (865K tons), together achieving a 23% share of total exports. The following exporters - Benin (292K tons), Greece (289K tons), Cote d'Ivoire (230K tons), Burkina Faso (217K tons), Nigeria (212K tons), Australia (170K tons) and Uzbekistan (137K tons) - together made up 19% of total exports.

In value terms, the U.S. ($6B) remains the largest cotton lint supplier worldwide, comprising 46% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by India ($1.4B), with a 11% share of global exports. It was followed by Brazil, with a 11% share.

In 2020, the average cotton lint export price amounted to $1,616 per ton, shrinking by -6.9% against the previous year. Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2020, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in Nigeria ($2,222 per ton) and Uzbekistan ($1,823 per ton), while India ($1,501 per ton) and Greece ($1,558 per ton) were amongst the lowest.

Cotton Imports by Country

In 2020, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in supplies from abroad of cotton lint, when their volume decreased by -16.8% to 7.1M tons. In value terms, cotton lint imports contracted sharply to $12.2B in 2020.

In 2020, China (1.9M tons), distantly followed by Vietnam (945K tons), Pakistan (819K tons), Bangladesh (726K tons), Turkey (655K tons) and Indonesia (627K tons) represented the largest importers of cotton lint, together generating 79% of total imports. The following importers - Malaysia (247K tons), India (174K tons) and South Korea (115K tons) - together made up 7.5% of total imports.

In value terms, China ($3.6B) constitutes the largest market for imported cotton lint worldwide, comprising 29% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Vietnam ($1.4B), with a 12% share of global imports. It was followed by Pakistan, with a 11% share.

The average cotton lint import price stood at $1,706 per ton in 2020, shrinking by -5.3% against the previous year. Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2020, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in India ($1,979 per ton) and China ($1,929 per ton), while Vietnam ($1,486 per ton) and Turkey ($1,519 per ton) were amongst the lowest.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global cotton lint market. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

  • FCL 767 - Cotton Lint
  • FCL 328 - [Seed Cotton]

Country coverage:

Worldwide - the report contains statistical data for 200 countries and includes detailed profiles of the 50 largest consuming countries:

+ the largest producing countries

Data coverage:

  • Global market volume and value
  • Per Capita consumption
  • Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
  • Global production, split by region and country
  • Global trade (exports and imports)
  • Export and import prices
  • Market trends, drivers and restraints
  • Key market players and their profiles

Company coverage:

Cargill Cotton, Olam International, ACG Cotton Marketing, LLC, Acotex Corporation, Allbright Cotton, Allenberg Cotton Co., AMCOT, America Tongzhou Cotton Trading Inc., American Cotton Shippers Association, Autauga Quality Cotton Association, Baco Trading, Barrentine Company, Brighann Marketing, Calcot, Cam Cotton LLC, Caney Valley Cotton Company, Carolinas Cotton Growers Cooperative, CC Cotton LLC, Chesnutt Cotton Co., Choice Cotton Company, Cofco Agri, Commodity Export Corp., ECOM USA, Farmcot Inc, Glencore Ltd., Greenbelt Cotton Company, Jabbour Cotton Co., Panamerica Commodities, Toyo Cotton Company, Turley Cotton Co.

Reasons to buy this report:

  • Take advantage of the latest data
  • Find deeper insights into current market developments
  • Discover vital success factors affecting the market

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

  1. How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
  2. How to load your idle production capacity
  3. How to boost your sales on overseas markets
  4. How to increase your profit margins
  5. How to make your supply chain more sustainable
  6. How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
  7. How to outsource production to other countries
  8. How to prepare your business for global expansion

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

  1. 1. INTRODUCTION

    Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

    1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
    2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
    3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
    4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

  2. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    A Quick Overview of Market Performance

    1. KEY FINDINGS
    2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO

  3. 3. MARKET OVERVIEW

    Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects

    1. MARKET SIZE
    2. CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY
    3. MARKET FORECAST TO 2030

  4. 4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT

    Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
    1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
    2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
    3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
    4. MOST TRADED PRODUCT
    5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT

  5. 5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

    Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
    1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
    3. COUNTRIES WITH TOP YIELDS
    4. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
    5. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

  6. 6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

    Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports

    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
    1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
    3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
    4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

  7. 7. GLOBAL PRODUCTION

    The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

    1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE
    2. PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY
    3. HARVESTED AREA AND YIELD BY COUNTRY

  8. 8. GLOBAL IMPORTS

    The Largest Importers on The Market and How They Succeed

    1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2023
    2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
    3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

  9. 9. GLOBAL EXPORTS

    The Largest Exporters on The Market and How They Succeed

    1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2023
    2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
    3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

  10. 10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

    The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO

  11. 11. COUNTRY PROFILES

    The Largest Markets And Their Profiles

    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
    • United States
    • China
    • Japan
    • Germany
    • United Kingdom
    • France
    • Brazil
    • Italy
    • Russian Federation
    • India
    • Canada
    • Australia
    • Republic of Korea
    • Spain
    • Mexico
    • Indonesia
    • Netherlands
    • Turkey
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Switzerland
    • Sweden
    • Nigeria
    • Poland
    • Belgium
    • Argentina
    • Norway
    • Austria
    • Thailand
    • United Arab Emirates
    • Colombia
    • Denmark
    • South Africa
    • Malaysia
    • Israel
    • Singapore
    • Egypt
    • Philippines
    • Finland
    • Chile
    • Ireland
    • Pakistan
    • Greece
    • Portugal
    • Kazakhstan
    • Algeria
    • Czech Republic
    • Qatar
    • Peru
    • Romania
    • Vietnam

  12. LIST OF TABLES

    1. Key Findings In 2023
    2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2023
    3. Market Value, 2012–2023
    4. Per Capita Consumption, By Country, 2018–2023
    5. Production, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
    6. Harvested Area, By Country, 2012-2023
    7. Yield, By Country, 2012-2023
    8. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
    9. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
    10. Import Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2023
    11. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
    12. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
    13. Export Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2023

  13. LIST OF FIGURES

    1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2023
    2. Market Value, 2012–2023
    3. Consumption, By Country, 2023
    4. Market Volume Forecast to 2030
    5. Market Value Forecast to 2030
    6. Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
    7. Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
    8. Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
    9. Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
    10. Production Volume And Growth
    11. Yield And Growth
    12. Exports And Growth
    13. Export Prices And Growth
    14. Market Size And Growth
    15. Per Capita Consumption
    16. Imports And Growth
    17. Import Prices
    18. Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2023
    19. Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2023
    20. Area Harvested, 2012–2023
    21. Yield, 2012–2023
    22. Production, By Country, 2023
    23. Production, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
    24. Harvested Area, By Country, 2023
    25. Harvested Area, By Country, 2012-2023
    26. Yield, By Country, 2012-2023
    27. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2023
    28. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2023
    29. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2023
    30. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
    31. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
    32. Import Prices, By Country, 2012–2023
    33. Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2023
    34. Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2023
    35. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2023
    36. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
    37. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
    38. Export Prices, 2012–2023

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