Not carded or combed cotton market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The not carded or combed cotton market in Western Africa stood at 2.8 million tons in 2018, with the product being a cornerstone of Benin's exports, highlighting the significant role of state-owned and private enterprises in the sector. Market volume grew by 18% to 3.4 million tons in 2019, driven by a global cotton supply deficit which pushed prices higher. Unfavorable weather in key producing regions like the United States and India reduced harvests, encouraging increased production in West Africa to meet international demand. However, the market contracted by 20% to 2.7 million tons in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic caused an 11% drop in global cotton demand, leading to gin closures, order cancellations, and severe disruptions to the textile supply chain.

A strong recovery followed in 2021, with the market expanding by 23% to 3.3 million tons. Global cotton prices remained elevated due to robust demand and ongoing pandemic-related supply chain issues, incentivizing production. Shifts in global production shares, with growth in Brazil and a decline in China, also affected trade flows. The market volume then fell by 17% to 2.7 million tons in 2022 amid volatility in world prices, trade policies, and international demand, particularly from China and other Asian markets. Notably, cotton remained Benin's primary export commodity during this period. In 2023, the market saw a moderate 8% increase, reaching 3.0 million tons.

Production not carded or combed cotton in Western 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 Western Africa, production of not carded or combed cotton reached 3 376 K t in 2020, representing a significant year-over-year decline of 18.3%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 13.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.7%. The peak production occurred in 2019 at 4 133 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 17.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of not carded or combed cotton production in Western Africa stood at 5 324 M $ US in 2020, reflecting a 22.7% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 11.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -4.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 891 M $ US, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 15.2%.

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

Exports not carded or combed cotton from Western Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Following two consecutive years of growth, exports of not carded or combed cotton from Western Africa declined in 2020. Export volumes reached 691.0 K t, marking a modest year-over-year decrease of 10.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 8.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The peak export volume occurred in 2019 at 767.5 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 12.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical distribution of exports in kind was highly diversified. Bangladesh accounted for 27.3% of exports, Singapore for 12.6%, and Vietnam for 9.3%, collectively representing 49.2% of total flows. The remaining 50.8% was distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of consecutive gains, the value of not carded or combed cotton exports from Western Africa declined in 2020. Export value reached 1 090 M $ US, reflecting a 14.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 10.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 279 M $ US, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 17.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Vietnam remained the primary destinations for not carded or combed cotton exports from Western Africa in value terms. Bangladesh accounted for 27.9% of exports, Singapore for 12.9%, and Vietnam for 9.3%, collectively representing 50.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports not carded or combed cotton to Western Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Import data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2019, imports reached their lowest point at 0.3 K t, marking a 45.0% decline. By 2020, imports surged to 1.7 K t, representing a substantial 542.1% increase from the previous year. The difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019 was 6.4-fold.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, China and Denmark remained the principal suppliers of not carded or combed cotton to Western Africa in kind, collectively accounting for 26.7% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Import value data shows irregular fluctuations, reflecting a volatile market environment. In 2018, imports saw the largest annual increase of 264.9%. By 2019, import value peaked at 3 M $ US, then declined slightly to 3 M $ US in 2020, representing a 2.2% decrease from the previous year. The difference between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2017 was 4.3-fold.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, the United Arab Emirates, and France were the main sources of imports in value terms for Western Africa. China accounted for 16.2% of imports, the United Arab Emirates for 1.1%, and France for 0.6%, collectively representing 17.9% of total import flows.

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

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