Brazilian cotton expands production and exports in the global market

Brazil consolidated its position as the world's leading cotton exporter, although it ranks third in global production, behind China and India. This progress is associated with technological advances in production systems and efforts to raise fiber quality.

Between the 2015/16 and 2023/24 seasons, Brazilian lint cotton production increased from 1.563 million to 3.2 million tonnes, a 104.7% rise. Over the same period, the three-year average yield increased from 1,499 to 1,839 kilograms per hectare.

Exports expanded even more sharply: they rose from 939,000 tonnes to 2.7 million tonnes, an increase of 187.5%. China accounted for 49.1% of Brazil's export volume in 2023/24. Vietnam, Bangladesh, Türkiye, Pakistan, and Indonesia also rank among the main buyers.

Domestic demand, on the other hand, remained stable during the period analyzed. The factors cited include competition from lower-priced synthetic fibers and increased imports of textile and clothing products. In 2023, the trade balance of the textile and clothing chain, excluding cotton fiber, recorded a deficit of US$ 5.6 billion, after a negative result of US$ 4.8 billion in 2022.

For the 2024/25 season, Brazilian production is estimated at 3.7013 million tonnes, an increase of 15.7% over the previous season. Exports are expected to reach 2.8023 million tonnes, while global production is projected at 25.6876 million tonnes.

The study also emphasizes that fiber quality is decisive for its industrial use. In Brazil, the lint yield is expected to reach 41.5% in the 2024/25 crop. The sector has been combining production improvements, overseas trade promotion, and traceability initiatives such as the ABRAPA Identification System and the SouABR program.

Source

Institute of Agricultural Economics (IEA): https://iea.agricultura.sp.gov.br/out/TerTexto.php?codTexto=16258