Not carded or combed cotton market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

Production of not carded or combed cotton in Northern America experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Output rose from 15.1 million tons in 2018 to a peak of 17.1 million tons in 2019, then dropped sharply to 12.4 million tons in 2020. A recovery to 15.4 million tons followed in 2021, but volumes declined again to 11.4 million tons in 2022 and 10.7 million tons in 2023.

The market landscape shifted in 2023 with the introduction of new sustainability legislation. The United States enacted the Bipartisan Trade and Investment in the Americas Act, which provided over USD 45 billion in incentives to promote circularity in the apparel and textile supply chains. These measures altered market access and distribution regulations, impacting production conditions for cotton. State-supported export programs also remained influential, with reports of substantial Upland cotton exports from the United States during the 2023-2024 period.

By 2024, external competitive pressures were shaping the market. Consumption of polyester, a key substitute, saw a slight decrease in the United States, reflecting evolving consumer preferences. Globally, cotton trade recovered with India emerging as a fast-growing exporter, increasing competition for Northern American producers and contributing to the dynamic market environment.

Production not carded or combed cotton in Northern America

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

In 2019, Northern America produced 17 084 K t of not carded or combed cotton, marking the highest output during the period. However, production declined to 12 370 K t in 2020, representing a 27.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 25.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 9.3%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 13.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, the output of not carded or combed cotton in Northern America reached its peak value of 30 087 M $ US. By 2020, this had dropped to 21 021 M $ US, a 30.1% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, the value of production declined by 19.3%, averaging a 6.9% annualized reduction. The most significant year-on-year increase was recorded in 2019, with a 16.8% rise.

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

Exports not carded or combed cotton from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of not carded or combed cotton from Northern America showed significant volatility between 2017 and 2020. The lowest point was in 2018, with just 1.0 t exported, while the peak occurred in 2017, creating an 11.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports surged to 8.5 t, a dramatic 250.7% increase from 2019. The largest decline was in 2018, when exports fell by 91.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia, Italy, and Germany were the three largest markets for Northern America's exports of not carded or combed cotton in volume terms. Together, these countries accounted for 61.7% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values for not carded or combed cotton from Northern America experienced notable fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 K $ US, while the highest was in 2017, resulting in a 10.6-fold variation between these years. In 2020, exports rose sharply to 14 K $ US, a 238.4% increase compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a 90.6% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Australia, Italy, and Germany were the primary markets for Northern America's exports of not carded or combed cotton in value terms. Australia led with 45.5% of total export value, followed by Italy at 4.3% and Germany at 2.2%. Collectively, these three markets represented 52.0% of all export flows during this period.

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

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

Imports not carded or combed cotton to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of not carded or combed cotton into Northern America varied considerably from 2017 to 2020. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 139.0 t, while the highest was in 2017, showing a 5.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports increased to 189.3 t, a 36.2% rise from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 72.5% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, India, and China were the top suppliers of not carded or combed cotton to Northern America in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 45.0% of imports, India for 1.0%, and China for 0.8%. Together, these three countries made up 46.8% of total import volumes during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values of not carded or combed cotton into Northern America declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 726 K $ US, which was a 16.5% decrease from 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 208 K $ US. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 22%, with an average annual decline of 8.0%. The largest year-on-year decrease was in 2019 at 28.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 29.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, India, and China were the leading contributors to Northern America's imports of not carded or combed cotton in value terms. Turkey represented 36.9% of import value, India 1.5%, and China 1.3%. Combined, these three suppliers accounted for 39.6% of total import flows during this period.

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

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