Not carded or combed cotton market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the European market for not carded or combed cotton was influenced by the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, which supported cotton growers through direct payments and eco-schemes contingent on environmental criteria. The sown area for cotton in the EU increased to 362,000 hectares by 2020, aiding cultivation in key producing countries like Greece and Spain. Market volume during these years showed variability, reflecting adjustments in supply and demand.

Between 2021 and 2023, growing consumer preference for sustainable products boosted the importance of organic cotton, prompting investments in certification and farming technologies. At the same time, the EU's circular economy framework and extended producer responsibility rules began to impose stricter regulations on textiles, including cotton, which pressured the market for conventional cotton. Initiatives in Spain focused on resource-efficient production methods, such as modern greenhouses and solar panels.

In 2024, regulatory clarity emerged as the EU Commission confirmed no blanket ban on cotton, though existing circular economy laws continued to shape the market. The segment for organic cotton expanded rapidly, driven by both consumer demand and regulatory support. However, global oversupply and accumulating inventories exerted downward price pressure, while new policies aimed at reducing textile waste and enhancing recycling took effect, altering market conditions.

Production not carded or combed cotton in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

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

After two years of growth, Europe's production of not carded or combed cotton declined. In 2020, Europe produced 1 437 K t of not carded or combed cotton, representing a controlled 3.8% decrease from 2019. Production reached its peak in 2019 at 1 494 K t, with the largest annual increase of 9.8% recorded that same year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 11.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Europe's production of not carded or combed cotton in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 310 M $ US, marking a 6.4% decrease from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 842 M $ US, which saw the largest annual increase of 20.9%. The following year, in 2019, production experienced its largest decline of 13.1%.

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

Exports not carded or combed cotton from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Europe's exports of not carded or combed cotton reached their lowest point in 2018 at 246.7 K t, then peaked in 2019 at 464.1 K t, representing a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports fell to 346.5 K t, a 25.3% decrease from 2019. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, with exports surging by 88.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Egypt, and Bangladesh were the main destinations for Europe's exports of not carded or combed cotton in kind. Turkey accounted for 36.3% of exports, Egypt for 14.5%, and Bangladesh for 8.8%. Together, these three countries absorbed 59.6% of total exports, making them the primary markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Europe's exports of not carded or combed cotton in value terms declined in 2020 to 557.0 M $ US, a 27.4% decrease from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 515.1 M $ US, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 766.9 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 48.9% that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 7.8%, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Europe's exports of not carded or combed cotton in value terms were Turkey, Egypt, and Bangladesh. Turkey represented 35.0% of exports, Egypt 14.0%, and Bangladesh 8.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 57.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports not carded or combed cotton to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Europe's imports of not carded or combed cotton in kind declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 146.2 K t, a 9.7% decrease from the previous year. Imports peaked in 2018 at 201.7 K t, which saw the largest annual increase of 11.2%. The following year, in 2019, imports experienced their largest decline of 19.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19.4%, with a compound annual decline rate of 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of Europe's imports of not carded or combed cotton in kind was highly diversified. Turkey accounted for 15.5% of imports, Kazakhstan for 11.7%, and Brazil for 8.6%. Together, these three countries represented only 35.8% of total import flows, with the remaining 64.2% coming from a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Europe's imports of not carded or combed cotton in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 284.3 M $ US, a significant decrease of 11.5% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 413.0 M $ US, which saw the largest annual increase of 7.4%. In 2019, imports experienced their largest decline of 22.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 26.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 9.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure of Europe's imports of not carded or combed cotton in value terms remained fragmented. Turkey accounted for 16.4% of imports, Kazakhstan for 10.3%, and the United States for 9.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 35.7% of total import flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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