Not carded or combed cotton market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Iranian market for not carded or combed cotton experienced significant fluctuations. In 2018, the market volume stood at 228.9 thousand tons, supported by imports of raw materials, yarn, and cotton from ECO member countries, which bolstered supply. Increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, along with higher energy intensity in agriculture, indicated growing pressures on the sustainability of domestic cotton production. The influential role of state-owned and quasi-state institutions also shaped market conditions. The market then expanded to 260.6 thousand tons in 2019 before contracting sharply to 207.9 thousand tons in 2020.

The market rebounded strongly in 2021, reaching 259.3 thousand tons, nearly matching the pre-contraction level. This was followed by a slight decline to 242.7 thousand tons in 2022 and 236.9 thousand tons in 2023. During this period of stabilization, the widespread adoption of COVID-19 DNA testing for raw material and cotton traceability within supply chains began influencing market quality and transparency.

Production not carded or combed cotton in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Iran was among the world's leading producers of not carded or combed cotton from 2017 to 2020, ranking 29th globally by production volume.

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

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

Iran's production of not carded or combed cotton declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 138.3 K t, representing a significant decrease of 15.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 25.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.5%.

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

Exports not carded or combed cotton from Iran

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a 73-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Iran's exports of not carded or combed cotton amounted to 30 t, which is 98.6% lower than the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran's exports of not carded or combed cotton were primarily directed towards Iraq and Turkey, which together accounted for 85.5% of total flows. Other destinations played a secondary role in the export structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited high volatility during these years. Export volumes peaked in 2017 and dropped to their lowest in 2018, showing a 110-fold shift. In 2020, Iran's export value of not carded or combed cotton was 0.0 M $ US, marking a decline of 99.1% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq and Turkey remained the top markets for Iran's exports of not carded or combed cotton in value terms, together representing 84.5% of total flows. Other partners played a supplementary role in the export structure.

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

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

Imports not carded or combed cotton to Iran

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Iran's imports of not carded or combed cotton amounted to 69 673 t, showing a sharp decline of 28.9% compared to 2019. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 63 868 t, while the maximum was in 2019 at 98 038 t, with the largest increase of 53.5% occurring in that year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 3.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates were the leading suppliers of not carded or combed cotton to Iran in volume terms. Uzbekistan accounted for 40.9% of imports, Turkey for 24.3%, and the United Arab Emirates for 16.1%, with their combined share reaching 81.3% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Iran's imports of not carded or combed cotton reached 136.3 M $ US, representing a drop of 32.1% year-over-year. The maximum import value was recorded in 2019 at 200.7 M $ US, with the largest increase of 45.6% occurring that year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 2.7%, equating to an annualized rate of -0.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates were the largest suppliers of not carded or combed cotton to Iran in value terms. Uzbekistan accounted for 38.8% of imports, Turkey for 24.7%, and the United Arab Emirates for 17.7%, together forming 81.2% of total imports.

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

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