Not carded or combed cotton market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the market volume of not carded or combed cotton in Latin America and the Caribbean increased from 8 933 thousand tons to 10 789 thousand tons. This growth was propelled by a significant 27% expansion in organic cotton production during the 2018/19 season, reflecting a regional shift toward sustainable fibers and quality-focused cultivation.

The market contracted to 10 164 thousand tons in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the textile industry, lowering demand for raw cotton. Despite early signals of economic recovery in the fashion sector and changing consumer preferences toward sustainable materials, the market volume further declined to 8 653 thousand tons in 2021.

A strong rebound followed, with the market reaching 10 163 thousand tons in 2022, supported by investments in production facilities and trade agreements that emphasized sustainability and circular economy principles. Growth continued in 2023, climbing to 11 072 thousand tons, driven by Brazil’s adoption of advanced agricultural technologies, an increase in cultivated area, and rising Asian demand amid global trade tensions.

Production not carded or combed cotton in Latin America and the Caribbean

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

Latin America and the Caribbean saw production of not carded or combed cotton rise for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 12 270 K t, showing little change from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 59.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 16.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After increasing for two years, the value of not carded or combed cotton production in Latin America and the Caribbean fell. In 2020, output was valued at 18 332 M $ US, a decrease of 7.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value rose by 46.4%, averaging 13.5% per year. The highest value was in 2019 at 19 853 M $ US, with the biggest jump occurring in 2018 at 33.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports not carded or combed cotton from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of not carded or combed cotton from Latin America and the Caribbean grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 2 357 K t, surging by 32.9% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, export volume increased by 165.1%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 38.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia were the top destinations for exports in kind, accounting for 26.1%, 15.5%, and 13.1% of the total, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 54.7% of all export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of not carded or combed cotton from Latin America and the Caribbean expanded for the third year running. In 2020, exports reached 3 521 M $ US, up 22.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, export value climbed by 143%, averaging 34.4% annually.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia dominated exports in value terms, with shares of 26.4%, 15.5%, and 13.3%, respectively. Combined, they represented 55.2% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports not carded or combed cotton to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular shifts, pointing to a volatile market. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports stood at 251 K t, dropping sharply by 23.5% compared to 2019. The highest volume was in 2018 at 386 K t, with the largest increase also in 2018 at 112.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During 2017-2020, imports in kind were heavily reliant on the United States, which took in 95.6% of the total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility in these years. Import levels varied by 2.2 times, with the low in 2017 and the high in 2018. In 2020, imports amounted to 431 M $ US, falling sharply by 30.2% from 2019. The peak value was in 2018 at 780 M $ US, and the biggest rise occurred in 2018 at 121.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms were highly concentrated on the United States, which accounted for 95.7% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020