Cotton yarn trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in cotton yarn was worth $11.21 billion in 2024, about 3.74 million tonnes. That is a fall of 10% since 2017, and down 6% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $11.21B | 3.74M t |
| 2023 | $11.97B | 3.73M t |
| 2022 | $13.60B | 3.41M t |
| 2021 | $15.61B | 4.53M t |
| 2020 | $10.18B | 3.83M t |
| 2019 | $12.00B | 4.05M t |
| 2018 | $13.70B | 4.32M t |
| 2017 | $12.52B | 4.06M t |
Top cotton yarn exporting countries
Exports are led by India (30%), Vietnam (18%) and Uzbekistan (11%). 128 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 59%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $3.38B | 30% |
| Vietnam | $2.01B | 18% |
| Uzbekistan | $1.21B | 11% |
| United States | $867.2M | 7.7% |
| Pakistan | $716.9M | 6.4% |
| China | $671.2M | 6% |
| Turkey | $634.4M | 5.7% |
| Malaysia | $237.4M | 2.1% |
| Indonesia | $220.7M | 2% |
| Egypt | $156.9M | 1.4% |
| Italy | $125.8M | 1.1% |
| Taiwan | $86.8M | 0.8% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are China (28%), Bangladesh (16%) and Honduras (5%). 183 countries imported it, and the top three take 50% of the value.
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $3.00 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, China averaged $4.51 per kg and Uzbekistan $2.53 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 5205: Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale. HS 5205 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most cotton yarn?
India exported $3.38 billion in 2024, 30% of the world total, followed by Vietnam (18%) and Uzbekistan (11%). In all, 128 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most cotton yarn?
China imported $3.18 billion in 2024, 28% of world imports, ahead of Bangladesh (16%) and Honduras (5%). The top three importers together take 50%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in cotton yarn?
It was worth $11.21 billion in 2024, about 3.74 million tonnes. That is a fall of 10% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $15.61 billion. 128 countries reported exports and 183 reported imports.
What is the average price of cotton yarn per kg?
The world average declared value was about $3.00 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, China averaged $4.51 per kg and Uzbekistan $2.53 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for cotton yarn?
The HS code for cotton yarn is heading 5205, in chapter 52 (cotton). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 5205 page.
How can I find cotton yarn buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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