Not carded or combed cotton market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for not carded or combed cotton in Sub-Saharan Africa showed considerable volatility in both volume and value between 2018 and 2023. In physical terms, market volume rose from 4.6 million metric tons in 2018 to a high of 5.5 million metric tons in 2019, then contracted to 4.9 million metric tons in 2020. A partial recovery followed in 2021, reaching 5.1 million metric tons, before another decline to 4.6 million metric tons in 2022 and a slight uptick to 4.8 million metric tons in 2023. Measured in value, the market exhibited a similar pattern, growing from $8.6 billion in 2018 to $9.5 billion in 2019, falling to $7.9 billion in 2020, rebounding to $9.1 billion in 2021, dipping to $8.6 billion in 2022, and closing at $9.8 billion in 2023.

By 2024, several developments emerged that began shaping the regional cotton landscape. In South Africa, a key market within Sub-Saharan Africa, the textile sector faced rising imports of low-cost textiles, which put pressure on demand for locally produced cotton. The South African government implemented strategic measures to transform the textile industry, including technological upgrades and regulatory adjustments. At the same time, strengthened environmental legislation, such as climate change laws imposing emission reductions and mandatory ESG reporting, started to affect agricultural and textile production. Consumer preferences also shifted towards more sustainable and technologically advanced textile products, influencing the demand for raw cotton.

Production not carded or combed cotton in Sub-Saharan Africa

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 Sub-Saharan Africa, production of not carded or combed cotton reached 5 750 thousand tons in 2020, marking an 11.5% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 4.8%, which translates to an average annual increase of 1.6%. The lowest production level was observed in 2018 at 5 431 thousand tons, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 6 495 thousand tons. The most significant year-over-year growth was recorded in 2019, when production surged by 19.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of growth, the value of not carded or combed cotton production in Sub-Saharan Africa experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 9 225 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial 17.0% drop compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, the total value of production increased by 6.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.1%. The highest value was achieved in 2019 at 11 111 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 15.2% occurring in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports not carded or combed cotton from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of expansion, the volume of not carded or combed cotton exports from Sub-Saharan Africa decreased. In 2020, exports totaled 887 thousand tons, down 12.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export volumes grew by 9.9% overall, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 010 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 20.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure for not carded or combed cotton from Sub-Saharan Africa was characterized by diversification. The top three destinations—Bangladesh (28.2% of exports by volume), Singapore (9.9%), and Malaysia (8.6%)—collectively accounted for 46.8% of total flows, with no single country dominating the market.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, the value of not carded or combed cotton exports from Sub-Saharan Africa declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 424 million US dollars, representing a 17.6% year-over-year decrease. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export values increased by 11.7%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 3.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 727 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase of 20.5% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, not carded or combed cotton exports from Sub-Saharan Africa were distributed across numerous countries. Even the leading destinations—Bangladesh, Singapore, and Malaysia—combined represented only 48.5% of total export value, highlighting the region's diversified trade partnerships.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports not carded or combed cotton to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa imported 34 thousand tons of not carded or combed cotton, a 39.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, import volumes declined by 36.1%, with a compound annual decrease of 13.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 56 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 62.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, the key sources for not carded or combed cotton imports into Sub-Saharan Africa were India (12.5% of import volume), China (1.2%), and Brazil (0.6%). Together, these three countries accounted for 14.3% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Sub-Saharan Africa's imports of not carded or combed cotton declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 67 million US dollars, down 35.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import values fell by 48.9%, with an average annual decrease of 20.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the primary sources for not carded or combed cotton imports by value into Sub-Saharan Africa were India (13.1% of import value), China (0.9%), and Brazil (0.6%). Collectively, these countries represented 14.6% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020