Bangladesh Overtakes China as the World’s Largest Cotton Importer in 2024/25

Decline in China’s cotton imports reshapes global trade dynamics

Bangladesh has emerged as the world’s largest cotton importer for the 2024/25 season, following a sharp 65% reduction in China’s imports to 1.1 million tonnes. According to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), this major shift has caused global cotton trade to contract by 7.4%, altering traditional trade patterns across key textile economies.

As 2025 approaches, global cotton lint production is projected at approximately 25.4 million tonnes, maintaining parity with last season’s output but exceeding world consumption by 392,000 tonnes. Despite steady production, overall world trade has declined to 9.1 million tonnes, primarily driven by China’s reduced import demand, which overshadowed gains in other importing regions.

Trade disruptions caused by tariff escalations further reshaped the global cotton landscape, with continued impacts expected in the upcoming seasons.

Global Cotton Market Insights

ICAC’s latest Cotton This Month (CTM) report reveals that in the 2025/26 season, global cotton lint producers will largely remain unchanged, though minor shifts in market share are expected. The global cotton area stands close to 30.4 million hectares, and yields are projected at 835 kg/ha, slightly above the decade average.

In terms of consumption, China remains the top consumer, accounting for 32% of total global use, followed by India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Türkiye. Collectively, these five nations represent 76% of global cotton consumption, underscoring their central role in textile manufacturing and trade.

ICAC Data and Price Outlook

The ICAC Statistical Data Portal continues to provide real-time updates on cotton data, offering users instant access to the latest information throughout the month.

For the 2025/26 season, the ICAC Secretariat projects the Cotlook A Index to range between 62 and 91 cents per pound, with an average midpoint of 74 cents per pound, based on current supply and demand conditions.

The Cotton This Month report is authored by Parkhi Vats, ICAC Economic Affairs Officer, while price projections are prepared by Lorena Ruiz, ICAC Economist. Subscribers can access the full report online, and the next issue is scheduled for February 2, 2025.