Not carded or combed cotton market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market for not carded or combed cotton in China expanded to 31.2 million tons in 2019 but then contracted over the next two years, falling to 25.2 million tons in 2021. This decline was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced overseas orders, disrupted international logistics, and slowed production across the textile and apparel sector.

A recovery to 27.6 million tons occurred in 2022, supported by policy measures including Xinjiang's adjustment of freight subsidies for cotton and textile products to promote industry health. National guidelines also accelerated the recycling of used textiles, encouraging green transformation. In 2023, the market eased to 26.1 million tons as the industry focused on controlling new capacity and enhancing supply chain resilience under the Textile Industry Quality Upgrade Implementation Plan.

Production not carded or combed cotton in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of not carded or combed cotton.

Top producers of not carded or combed cotton, 2017-2020

World map of production of not carded or combed cotton, 2017-2020

China's production of not carded or combed cotton saw a two-year rise before declining. In 2020, output reached 25 411 K t, marking a significant 13.6% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 11.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The peak was in 2019 at 29 394 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 19.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, China's production of not carded or combed cotton in value terms declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 38 869 M $ US, representing a sharp 22.9% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value fell by 12.9%, translating to an annualized decline of 4.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 50 415 M $ US, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports not carded or combed cotton from China

Exports in kind, K t

Market performance showed notable fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2019 at 52 K t and dropped to 5 K t in 2020, an 11.1-fold difference between these years. The 2020 figure represents a 91.0% decline from 2019. The largest annual increase was in 2018 at 177.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Bangladesh were consistently the top destinations for exports in kind, accounting for 72.6% of total flows. Vietnam led with 40.8%, followed by Indonesia at 23.6%, and Bangladesh at 8.2%.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility in these years. Export value reached a maximum of 93 M $ US in 2018 and a minimum of 7 M $ US in 2020, a 13-fold variation. In 2020, exports amounted to 7 M $ US, a sharp 91.9% decrease from 2019. The largest annual increase was in 2018 at 180.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Bangladesh remained the primary destinations for exports in value terms, together making up 72.4% of total flows. Vietnam accounted for 40.6%, Indonesia for 23.9%, and Bangladesh for 7.9%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020

Imports not carded or combed cotton to China

Imports in kind, K t

China's imports of not carded or combed cotton increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 2 158 K t, a solid 16.9% year-over-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 86.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Brazil, and Australia formed the core group of markets for imports in kind, representing 73.4% of total flows. The United States accounted for 35.2%, Brazil for 20.4%, and Australia for 17.8%.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, China's import volume of not carded or combed cotton in value terms was 3 563 M $ US, showing little change from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 63%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 17.7%. The peak value was in 2019 at 3 563 M $ US, and the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 44.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States, Brazil, and Australia were the main markets for imports in value terms, together accounting for 74.4% of total flows. The United States led with 35.1%, followed by Brazil at 19.7%, and Australia at 19.6%.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020