Raw cotton trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in raw cotton was worth $17.08 billion in 2024, about 8.83 million tonnes. That is an increase of 9% since 2017, and up 3% 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 | $17.08B | 8.83M t |
| 2023 | $16.51B | 7.85M t |
| 2022 | $23.40B | 9.28M t |
| 2021 | $18.71B | 9.79M t |
| 2020 | $14.52B | 9.08M t |
| 2019 | $15.82B | 9.06M t |
| 2018 | $17.81B | 9.22M t |
| 2017 | $15.61B | 8.55M t |
Top raw cotton exporting countries
Brazil is the largest exporter with 30% of world exports, followed by the United States and Australia. The top three supply 71% between them, out of 149 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $5.15B | 30% |
| United States | $4.66B | 27% |
| Australia | $2.36B | 14% |
| India | $916.4M | 5.4% |
| Benin | $505.4M | 3% |
| Turkey | $474.9M | 2.8% |
| Greece | $463.3M | 2.7% |
| Burkina Faso | $353.2M | 2.1% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $281.2M | 1.7% |
| Afghanistan | $226.1M | 1.3% |
| Azerbaijan | $179.1M | 1.1% |
| Mali | $158.6M | 0.9% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 26% of world imports, ahead of Bangladesh and Vietnam. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 56% across 195 importing countries.
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.93 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $2.06 per kg and Brazil $1.85 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 5201: Cotton; not carded or combed. HS 5201 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most raw cotton?
Brazil exported $5.15 billion in 2024, 30% of the world total, followed by the United States (27%) and Australia (14%). In all, 149 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most raw cotton?
China imported $4.51 billion in 2024, 26% of world imports, ahead of Bangladesh (15%) and Vietnam (14%). The top three importers together take 56%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in raw cotton?
It was worth $17.08 billion in 2024, about 8.83 million tonnes. That is an increase of 9% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $23.40 billion. 149 countries reported exports and 195 reported imports.
What is the average price of raw cotton per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.93 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $2.06 per kg and Brazil $1.85 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 raw cotton?
The HS code for raw cotton is heading 5201, 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 5201 page.
How can I find raw cotton 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.
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