Raw cotton exports from Nigeria: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of raw cotton by Nigeria reached $10.6 million in 2024 (7.9 thousand tonnes). That is 8% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $18.4 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $10.6M | 7.9K t |
| 2023 | $11.6M | 6.5K t |
| 2022 | $14.8M | 6.8K t |
| 2021 | $18.4M | 10.5K t |
| 2020 | $5.5M | 3.7K t |
| 2019 | $10.3M | 6.7K t |
| 2018 | $10.1M | 6.3K t |
| 2017 | $12.2M | 7.7K t |
Where Nigeria exports raw cotton to
Most of it went to Bangladesh (35%), Pakistan (30%), India (16%). Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+456% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | $3.8M | 36% |
| Pakistan | $3.2M | 30% |
| India | $1.7M | 16% |
| China | $602K | 5.7% |
| Thailand | $497K | 4.7% |
| Vietnam | $409K | 3.9% |
| Indonesia | $227K | 2.1% |
| Portugal | $144K | 1.4% |
| Tunisia | $102K | 1% |
| Kuwait | $1K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.35 per kg, 30% below the world average of $1.93, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in Nigeria?
The shipment records behind Nigeria raw cotton exports (HS 5201): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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.
Common questions
What is the value of raw cotton exported by Nigeria?
Nigeria exported raw cotton worth $10.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 149 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy raw cotton from Nigeria?
Bangladesh was the largest buyer with 35% of the value ($3.8 million), followed by Pakistan (30%) and India (16%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 22 buyer countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 456% on the year.
What is the average export price of raw cotton per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.35 per kg in 2024, 30% below the world average of $1.93 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of raw cotton from Nigeria changed since 2017?
Exports went from $12.2 million in 2017 to $10.6 million in 2024, a fall of 13%. The peak was 2021 at $18.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for raw cotton?
The HS code for raw cotton is heading 5201. In Nigeria all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 5201.00. It sits in HS chapter 52 (cotton). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5201 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for Nigeria, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
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