Cotton is one of the most important natural fibers, especially for the textile industry, and plays a key role in Brazil’s farming economy. For decades—since the 1993/94 harvest—the United States held the title of the world’s largest cotton exporter. However, DataLiner figures show that in 2024, Brazil shipped 235,377 TEUs of cotton, a 73.5% increase over 2023, securing its position as the world’s top exporter of the commodity.
Brazil’s cotton industry has undergone significant modernization in recent decades, incorporating precision agriculture techniques and biotechnology to boost productivity and fiber quality. At the same time, the sector has steadily expanded its planted area, driven by strong profitability. However, domestic demand has grown at a more modest pace, leading to larger exportable surpluses and fueling the surge in shipments.
According to the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (CEPEA), the 2023/24 planting season covered 1.944 million hectares—up 16.9% from the previous cycle—making it the largest planted area since 1991/92. Production also climbed 16.64% year-over-year, reaching 3.7 million tonnes and setting a new record for Brazilian cotton farming.
Brazilian Cotton Exports | Jan 2019 – Dec 2024 | TEUs
Source: DataLiner
Mato Grosso is Brazil’s leading cotton-producing state, accounting for roughly 70% of the country’s total output. Other major producers include Bahia and Goiás.
The Port of Santos in São Paulo serves as the primary gateway for Brazilian cotton exports, accounting for 95% of all shipments, according to Datamar.
Brazilian Cotton Exports by Port | 2024 | TEUs
Source: DataLiner
Brazilian cotton is highly valued in the international market for its superior quality, featuring longer, finer fibers that are preferred by manufacturers of premium textiles.
In 2024, Brazil exported cotton to over 150 countries. The top destinations were China (30.9%); Vietnam (18.8%); Bangladesh (11.9%); Pakistan (11%); Türkiye (8.5%); Indonesia (5.1%; India (4.4%); Malaysia (3.5%); South Korea (1.5%); and Egypt (1.1%).
Top Destinations for Brazilian Cotton | 2024 | TEUs
Source: DataLiner
Besides Brazil, the world’s largest cotton exporters include the United States, Australia, India, and Türkiye. The global cotton trade is influenced by various factors, including pricing, climate conditions, trade policies, and sustainability concerns.
In recent years, environmental awareness has led to increased adoption of sustainable farming practices, such as reducing pesticide use and implementing advanced soil and water management techniques.
Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is cultivated without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified seeds. Due to its reliance on natural growth conditions, production volumes remain limited, catering to a niche market.
Understanding Cotton: Key Characteristics
1. Origin & Cultivation: Cotton comes from the Gossypium plant, which thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with ample sunlight and water. Major producers include the United States, Brazil, China, and India.
2. Composition: Cotton fibers are primarily composed of cellulose, an organic compound that provides softness and strength. The fibers grow around the seeds, forming fluffy white bolls.
3. Properties:
o Highly Absorbent – Ideal for clothing and towels.
o Durable – Withstands daily wear and washing.
o Dye-Friendly – Easily absorbs color, allowing for vibrant fabrics.
o Non-Conductive – Does not generate static electricity.
o Comfortable – Soft and breathable, making it a preferred choice for textiles.
4. Types of Cotton:
o Pima – Extra-long, soft fibers, primarily grown in South America.
o Egyptian – Similar to Pima, but cultivated in Egypt; known for strength and durability.
o Upland – Shorter fibers; the most widely produced variety, native to Central America.
o Organic – Grown without synthetic chemicals, offering a lower environmental impact.
5. Uses of Cotton:
o Apparel & Textiles – Widely used in clothing, bedding, and home décor.
o Home Furnishings – Found in curtains, pillows, and upholstery.
o Personal Care – Used in hygiene products like cotton balls and swabs.
o Cottonseed Oil – Extracted from seeds for use in cooking and cosmetics.
o Banknotes – Some currencies, like the U.S. dollar, contain cotton fibers for durability.
6. A Brief History of Cotton:
o Cotton has an ancient, recorded history, with mentions in the Manu Code from India dating back to the 7th century BCE.
o The domestication of cotton plants took place over 4,000 years ago in southern Arabia.
