Not carded or combed cotton market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for not carded or combed cotton in Southern Europe declined from 1.2 million tons in 2018 to 983 thousand tons in 2023, reflecting a sustained contraction in domestic consumption over the period. This downward trend was accompanied by a reduction in local production, which peaked at 1.5 million tons in 2019 before falling to 1.2 million tons by 2023. Imports also steadily decreased, dropping from 96 thousand tons to 62 thousand tons, while exports showed volatility with a notable surge to 469 thousand tons in 2021 before receding.

By 2024, import volumes fell further to 56 thousand tons as export volumes rose to 288 thousand tons. This shift in trade flows occurred alongside rising electricity tariffs in key countries like Spain, which squeezed margins for spinning plants and affected production costs. Additionally, regulatory measures such as the UFLPA altered supply chains, reducing cotton imports from certain origins and favoring alternative suppliers within Europe.

Production not carded or combed cotton in Southern 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

Southern Europe's production of not carded or combed cotton declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 1 433 K t, marking a modest year-over-year decrease of 3.8%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 11.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 490 K t, with the largest annual increase of 9.7% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Southern Europe's production value of not carded or combed cotton fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 2 250 M $ US, down 7.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value rose by 2.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 2 572 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 17.6%.

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

Exports not carded or combed cotton from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for not carded or combed cotton from Southern Europe showed an unstable trend during the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 257.9 K t and peaked in 2019 at 456.6 K t, representing a 1.8-fold difference. In 2020, exports stood at 344.0 K t, a 24.7% decrease from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 77.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Egypt, and Bangladesh consistently led the export structure in kind for not carded or combed cotton from Southern Europe. Turkey accounted for 37.1% of exports, Egypt for 14.8%, and Bangladesh for 9.1%, together making up 61.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Southern Europe's export value of not carded or combed cotton declined. In 2020, exports totaled 540.0 M $ US, a sharp contraction of 27.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 12.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 748.4 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 53.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkey, Egypt, and Bangladesh played key roles in the export value structure of not carded or combed cotton from Southern Europe. Turkey represented 36.4% of exports in value terms, Egypt 14.7%, and Bangladesh 8.8%, collectively accounting for 59.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports not carded or combed cotton to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of not carded or combed cotton into Southern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 72.1 K t, a 10.6% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 11.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.0%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 96.1 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 17.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 16.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of not carded or combed cotton to Southern Europe were sourced from a diverse range of countries. Brazil accounted for 17.6% of imports, Turkey for 17.2%, and India for 9.3%, together representing just 44.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Import volumes of not carded or combed cotton into Southern Europe decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports came to 133.1 M $ US, down 14.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 21.3%, with an annualized rate of decrease of 7.7%. The peak value was in 2018 at 192.7 M $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 13.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with an 18.9% drop.

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

The partner structure for imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented, with no single country dominating. Turkey accounted for 18.3% of imports, Brazil for 14.7%, and India for 9.0%, together making up only 42.1% of total flows.

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

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