In the worldwide textile industry, cotton, also known as ‘white gold’, is still a very important natural fiber. Roughly 25 million metric tons of cotton are produced each year worldwide, but only 1.4% of this quantity is organic. Just eight of the leading producing countries generate 97% of the world’s organic cotton.
These countries are essential in shaping the global cotton market and industry which promote growth in both the local and global economy, satisfying the rising demand for this multipurpose fiber. Cotton, being prevalent in many clothes and textiles, continues to be one of the world’s top-selling fibers.
What is cotton?
Usually, cotton fibers are formed into yarn or thread which is then used to create a variety of textiles including garments, towels, and bed linen.
The standard unit of measurement for cotton is the ‘bale’ which is of a predetermined weight and size. Cotton can also be measured in metric tons, with one ton being equivalent to 2,000 pounds.
What are the origins of cotton?
The importance of the cotton industry
More than 100 million households around the world depend on the cotton production sector, and the majority of these are small-scale farmers in developing countries. Based on figures from the United Nations, just one ton of cotton creates year-round work for five people which is particularly important for those living in underdeveloped areas.
For instance, cotton accounts for 61% of all exports from Benin, making it the country’s top export, while in Burkina Faso and Mali, cotton is the second-biggest export after gold.
Cotton has been grown for many years in many nations due to its economic significance and the high demand for it worldwide. It contributes to local economies and creates employment possibilities for millions of people in the textile and fashion industries around the globe.
Cotton production by country
Remember Gossypium? Yes, the cotton plant. While it requires a certain level of moisture during its early growth phases, after flowering it demands a bright, dry climate. This means that subtropical locations are the most suitable for growing cotton and therefore Indian, Chinese, American, Brazilian, and Pakistani producers dominate the market.
Source: IISD, Click to Enlarge
The last 10 years have witnessed a stagnation in global yields which can be attributed to certain important producers seeing static or decreasing yields as well as a decline in China’s cotton acreage and an expansion of India’s cotton land. Notwithstanding increases in yields and cotton areas in Brazil, these factors are anticipated to continue to have an impact on worldwide yield patterns over the next 10 years.
World’s largest cotton-producing countries in 2021/2022 (in 1,000 metric tons)
Source: Statista.com
1. 
China
China is the world’s biggest cotton producer, consumer and importer. To increase efficiency in the sector, over time the country has developed cutting-edge methods and technologies in the industry. Large-scale fields, innovative equipment, digitalization, and greater yields define China’s cotton sector. In 2021/2022, China registered a production volume of over 5.8 million metric tons of cotton.
2. India
This nation has a long history of agriculture and a climate that is conducive to growing cotton. It is renowned for the best and highest-quality cotton items and is estimated to have a history of cotton production spanning more than three thousand years. Smallholder farmers make up a significant portion of the cotton sector in India. The latest data shows India’s annual cotton production hitting 5.3 million metric tons.
3. USA
In terms of cotton production on a worldwide scale, the United States is a significant contributor. It boasts cutting-edge farming methods and equipment, and premium cotton varieties. Due to the advantageous growing conditions, the majority of the nation’s cotton is produced in states such as Texas, California, and Georgia. In 2021/2022 it generated 3.8 million metric tons of cotton. The country also imports cotton from important cotton-producing countries.
4. Brazil
This country has a large area of agricultural land. Due to favorable weather conditions, investments in innovative technology, specialization of the workforce, and improvements in farming methods, Brazil’s cotton sector has grown significantly over the last few years. Data shows that Brazil now produces over 2.6 million metric tons on an annual basis.
5. Pakistan
Smallholder farmers are the main producers of cotton in Pakistan, and the industry is crucial to the local economy since it creates jobs and supports the textile industry. Cotton provides a living for more than 1.5 million local farmers. Although there are challenges to Pakistan’s cotton production, including pests, water scarcity, and outdated agricultural methods, efforts are being made to overcome these via government programs and technological breakthroughs. The nation produced approximately 1.3 million metric tons of cotton in 2021–2022 and it is one of the largest exporters of cotton.
See also: Top 10 corn-producing countries worldwide
Final word
From China’s extensive fields to the thriving textile hubs of India and Pakistan, and from the United States’ cutting-edge farming techniques to Brazil’s astounding development, cotton makes a massive difference to development. Some of the top producers influence the global cotton market and drive economic development. Beyond the raw figures, the importance of cotton production lies in its contribution to local economies, job opportunities, and the global textile and clothing sectors.
