Not carded or combed cotton market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

The Brazilian not carded or combed cotton market expanded from 5.9 million tons in 2018 to 7.7 million tons in 2020, driven by investments in research and technology to increase productivity and quality, along with favorable climatic conditions and attractive international prices. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused global market fluctuations, but Brazil's cotton sector maintained growth due to high competitiveness and strong organization.

Production dipped to 7.9 million tons in 2021, influenced by global pressures such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict which raised input costs. In 2022, exchange rate fluctuations and logistical challenges reduced export volumes, increasing domestic availability and supporting market growth. Output then surged to 10.4 million tons in 2023, boosted by currency factors that enhanced competitiveness and the entry of the Port of Salvador as an alternative export route.

Market volume in physical terms rose from 5.9 million tons in 2018 to 8.8 million tons in 2023, with fluctuations reflecting changes in production and export levels. The strengthening image of Brazilian cotton as a sustainable, high-quality product, along with expansion into Asian markets, underpinned the long-term growth trend.

Production not carded or combed cotton in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, Brazil ranked as the 4th largest producer of not carded or combed cotton from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of not carded or combed cotton, 2018-2021

World map of production of not carded or combed cotton, 2018-2021

Brazil's production of not carded or combed cotton declined after two years of growth. In 2021, output reached 7 939 K t, representing a significant drop of 19.2% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 15.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 4.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 9 827 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 with a rise of 39.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Brazil's production value of not carded or combed cotton fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 13 409 M $ US, down by 10.1% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production value grew by 12.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.0%. The peak value was achieved in 2019 at 15 677 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 31.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports not carded or combed cotton from Brazil

Exports in kind, K t

Brazil's exports of not carded or combed cotton declined after two years of expansion. In 2021, exports totaled 2 017 K t, showing a modest decrease of 5.1% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 107%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 2 125 K t, while the largest annual increase happened in 2019 with a jump of 65.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh were the key destinations for Brazil's exports of not carded or combed cotton in volume terms. China accounted for 30.4% of exports, Vietnam for 15.5%, and Bangladesh for 11.2%, together making up 57.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Brazil's export value of not carded or combed cotton increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 3 406 M $ US, reflecting a modest rise of 5.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 101.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 26.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During 2018-2021, China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh were the primary markets for Brazil's exports of not carded or combed cotton in value terms. China represented 30.5% of exports, Vietnam 15.5%, and Bangladesh 11.1%, collectively accounting for 57.1% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021

Imports not carded or combed cotton to Brazil

Imports in kind, K t

The market for imports of not carded or combed cotton in Brazil exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 2 K t and peaked in 2018, with a 11.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports reached 5 K t, marking a sharp increase of 109.6% compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 91.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States and Argentina were the leading sources for Brazil's imports of not carded or combed cotton in volume terms, together accounting for 91.0% of total imports, while other partners played a minor role.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

The import market for not carded or combed cotton in Brazil showed volatile trends during these years. Imports bottomed in 2019 at 5 M $ US and peaked in 2018, with an 8.2-fold difference between these periods. In 2021, imports totaled approximately 11 M $ US, corresponding to a rise of 120.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 87.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2018-2021, the United States and Argentina dominated Brazil's imports of not carded or combed cotton in value terms, jointly accounting for 88.7% of total import flows, with other countries making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021