List of top 10 Countries of Cotton Production

List of top 10 Countries of Cotton Production: The top 10 cotton countries in the world are India, China, the United States of America, Brazil, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Australia, Argentina, and Mali. India is the world’s largest producer of cotton with 5,900,000 tonne of cotton production in the year 2022-23. Followed by China and the United States as the second and third-highest cotton-producing countries with 5,730,000t and 3,963,000 million tonnes of annual cotton production.

In this article, we will look into the list of top ten cotton-producing countries along with their contributions to global cotton production.

List of Top 10 Cotton-Producing Countries 2023

The following table lists the top 10 cotton-producing countries in the world in the year 2023:

Countries	Annual Production of Cotton (Million Tonnes)
India	5,900,000 t
China	5,730,000 t
United States	3,963,000 t
Brazil	2,678,000 t
Pakistan	981,000 t
Uzbekistan	940,000 t
Turkey	833,000 t
Australia	608,000 t
Argentina	349,000 t
Mali	340,000 t

First Largest Cotton-Producing Country in the World –India

India is the world’s largest producer of cotton with a total share of around 25% of the total global cotton production. Cultivated over 120.69 Lakh Hectares the country produces 5.9 million tonnes of crop produce annually. In India, majority of the cotton production comes from ten major cotton growing states including Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Gujarat and Maharashtra are among the leading states in India for cotton production. These states are famous for their organic cotton production and use of traditional and environmentally friendly cultivation methods.

• The textile industry of India is the second-largest employment generating sector. 
• India is also the world’s second largest exporter of textiles and clothing.
• India is also the second largest consumer of cotton in the world with estimated consumption of 338 lakh bales (5.75 Million Metric tonnes).
• Around 67% of India’s cotton is grown in rain-fed areas and 33% in irrigated areas. In terms of productivity, India is in the 38th rank with a yield of 510 kg/ha.
• In India cotton was first grown in Indus Valley civilization around 7000 years ago.
• India grows all four species of cultivated cotton that are: G.arboreum and Herbaceum (Asian cotton), G.barbadense (Egyptian cotton) and G. hirsutum (American Upland cotton).

By 2030, India’s cotton production is projected to expand to 7.2 mt (approximately 43 million bales of 170 kg each) compared with the current output of 6 mt equivalent to roughly 36 million bales. India will contribute to as much as 40 per cent global increase in cotton production. India will continue to be the world’s largest cotton producer with the increase in production mainly depends on relatively higher yields.

Second Largest Cotton-Producing Country in the World – China

China is the second largest producer of cotton in the world, with cultivable area of 3.0 million hectares in 2022. China was the largest producer of the cotton since 1982 until overtaken by the India. China’s share in the global cotton production is 28%. Cotton is the main cash crop of China. It accounts for about 30 percent of the total sown area of all the various cash crops. It has a large population and well developed textile manufacturing sector that make China a major player in the global market. China is also the largest consumer of the cotton.

• Both Bt cotton and non Bt cotton varieties are used in China.
• Cotton is mainly grown in the north and northwest region of China. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is the largest cotton-producing region in China.
• The China’s textile sector produces a variety of cotton products, including textiles and apparel both for meeting domestic demand and export.
• China is also a significant importer of cotton especially for its textile sector as the demand for cotton often exceeds it production.
• The cotton sector is also influenced by factors such as size of the population, economic growth, and performance of the textile sector.
• Introduction of cotton in China is known as Southernization as cotton originated in South Asia.

Third Largest Cotton-Producing Country in the World – United States of America

Unites states is the largest exporter of the cotton in the world although it ranks third in its production. It exports around 35 percent of global cotton. United States produced around 14.68 million bales of cotton in 2022, a decrease from about 17.5 million bales in the previous year. Most of the cotton fiber growth and production occurs in the Southern and the Western region of United States. Main cotton producing states are Texas, California, Arizona, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Texas is the largest cotton-producing state.

• Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is the most widely(99%) grown cotton and other variety of cotton that is grown is Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense).
• Pima is the worlds famous cotton for it high quality. It has extra long fibers which makes it extra soft and extra strong.
• U.S. cotton is grown predominantly in 17 southern-tiered “Cotton Belt” States—from Virginia to California.
• U.S is famous for its advanced technology and research in the filed of cotton genetics as it has developed numerous high-quality cotton varieties.
• High cotton quality results in improved yield, better fiber quality, and pest resistance.

Fourth Largest Cotton-Producing Country in the World – Brazil

Brazil is the fourth largest producer of cotton after India, China, America. Brazil has large fertile land that is used for the cultivation of cotton. Most of the cotton production is done in the Cerrado region with states including Mato Grosso, Goias, Bahia, and Minas Gerais. The largest cotton producing states are Mato Grosso and Bahia which grows more than 90% of the cotton. Both Bt cotton and non Bt cotton varieties are used in Brazil. Brazil’s cotton industry has been expanding in the recent years. It is having an advantage of the favorable climate and extensive farming areas.

• Brazil moved from being a cotton importer to second largest exporter of cotton.
• 92% of Brazilian cotton grows exclusively on rainwater. 
• Brazil has highest cotton yields average in the world without irrigation, at 1,800kg/hectare.
• Brazilian cotton is known for its long and high-quality staples. 

Fifth Largest Cotton-Producing Country in the World –Pakistan

Cotton production plays an important role in the economic development of the Pakistan. Pakistan is highly dependent on the cotton production and its related textile sector for its economy. Cotton production in Pakistan has been consistent in recent years, but the growth rate has become stagnant. Cotton is grown on the 15% of the total agriculture land of the country. Punjab and Sindh are the major cotton producing region of Pakistan. It is also grown in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. The total land area of cotton cultivation is 2,950,000 hectares.

• Pakistan is 3rd largest consumer of cotton in the world, 3 rd largest yarn producer, 2 nd largest yarn exporter and 3 rd largest cloth exporter.
• Pakistan’s share in the world cotton production in 2019-20 was 6.0 percent.
• Cotton produced in Pakistan is of the medium staple also called standard medium-staple cotton is American Upland type.
• Apart from use in textiles in the form of cotton lint, yarn, thread, cloth, and garments, its seeds are used for oil extraction.
• Cotton is popularly known as “King Cotton” and “white gold” in Pakistan.

Sixth Largest Cotton-Producing Country in the World -Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is the world’s sixth largest producer of cotton, producing over 1 million tons annually. Cotton is an important cash crop of the country, as it accounts for around 17% export of the country.In Uzbekistan cotton is also known as “White Gold”. Total cotton production area for Uzbekistan is 980,000 hectares (ha). Uzbekistan is the largest producer of cotton in Central Asia. Cotton is mainly grown in the irrigated plains of the Fergana Valley.

• It exports cotton mainly to China, Bangladesh, Korea and Russia. ‘
• Uzbekistan developed various cotton processing chains and mills to manufacture cotton textile.
• Recently the countries cotton was banned in the international market because of the use of child labor in cotton farming. Now after the reforms in the labour law, the Uzbek cotton industry is free of child and forced labour and the ban has been taken off.
• Uzbekistan’s cotton production in marketing year (MY) 2023/24 is forecast at 675,000 metric tons (MT) (3.10 million bales). 
• the International Labor Organization (ILO) on March 01, 2022, declared that “Uzbek cotton is free from systemic child labor and forced labor”

Seventh Largest Cotton-Producing Country in the World -Turkey

Turkeys is the seventh largest producer of cotton and its cotton is famous for its softness, durability, and absorbency. Cotton cultivation is mainly carried out in three regions including Southeastern Anatolia, the Mediterranean region (including the province of Antalya) and Aegean Region. Turkey cultivates both conventional and genetically modified (GM) cotton varieties. The planting area for cotton is around 440,000 hectares (ha).

• Turkey’s cotton production in marketing year (MY) 2022/23 is forecast to increase to 925,000 metric tons (MT) (4.2 million bales).
• One of the most important characteristics of Turkish cotton is its extra long fibres. It is used in products like peshtemals, robes, and towels,
• Turkey is famous for its ability to produce high-quality and value-added cotton fabrics. It focuses on sustainabl practices and innovative methods.
• Turkey is also known for its production of organic cotton.
• Besides earning huge amount of foreign exchange through textile export, it also provides fiber for inland textile industry.

Eighth Largest Cotton-Producing Country in the World -Australia

Cotton is primarily grown in New South Wales and Queensland. Australia’s cotton industry is one of the most water efficient cotton industries in the world. Australia produce premium cotton with the use of advanced irrigation technology and farming practices. Australian cotton is famous for its purity and minimal use of pesticides. Australia is the fourth largest exporter of cotton in the world, representing around 3-5% of global production.

• Australian cotton is grown by up to 1,500 farmers in more than 150 regional communities.
• Australia produces cotton yields three times the world average.
• Around 90% of Australia’s cotton businesses are family farms, producing about 80% of the crop.
• Australia make use of advance technology and sustainable farming methods.
• The industry invests around $25 million every year in research and development to optimise farming systems.
• Australian exports cotton to China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Turkey and Thailand

Ninth Largest Cotton-Producing Country in the World -Argentina

Most of the cotton production takes place in the northwestern including Chaco, Salta, and Formosa and northeastern regions of the country. Cultivated over 42.9 million hectares (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23), the country produces 134.2 million tonnes of crop produce annually. Argentina cotton production for marketing year 2023/24 is forecast at 1.5 million 480-lb bales. Argentina uses modern farming techniques and advanced technology.

• The main production area is Chaco Province. The crop is being replaced in many areas with soybeans due to production costs.
•  Argentina is a net exporter of cotton, and its cotton exports contribute to the global cotton market. The international demand for Argentine cotton depends on factors such as quality, pricing, and global market dynamics.
• Cotton is not a major crop of Argentina, although it adds to the agriculture diversity of the country.
• Argentina is a major global exporter of agricultural commodities, including soybeans, corn, and wheat.
• In 2022, the Argentinian cotton yarn market increased by 6.1% rising for the fourth year in a row after four years of decline.
• Argentina exports around 68% of its cotton to Brazil followed by Uruguay and Peru.

Tenth Largest Cotton-Producing Country in the World – Mali

Mali is important cotton-producing countries in West Africa. Cultivated over 58.8 million hectares (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23), the country produces 101.7 million tonnes of crop produce annually. In Mali, cotton is of strategic importance. Most of the cotton production take place in the areas along the Niger River. It is grown mainly in the South and South-East regions (Sikasso, Koutiala, Koulikoro). The cotton sector provides employment to rural population and contributes to the well-being of more than 4 million people.

• Cotton is major cash crop of the country. The countries cotton industry uses large-scale farming methods. The country involves smallholder farmers who cultivate the crop alongwith other food crops.
• The cotton produced in Mali is famous for its quality.
• According to the the U.S. Agriculture Department Mali’s cotton production estimate for the current marketing year was revised down to 1.33 million 480-pound bales.
• The new estimate is still a 77% increase from last year’s output, which stood at 750,000 bales.
• Production in the 2022-23 marketing year was hit by leafhopper infestations and lack of fertilizers.

Summary of Top 10 Cotton-Producing Countries

To sum up, Cotton is a soft, natural fiber that grows with the seeds of the cotton plant. The fiber is spun into yarn or thread and used to make a soft, breathable, and durable textile. Current estimates for world production are about 25 million tonnes or 110 million bales annually. It accounts for around 2.5% of the world’s cultivable land. India is the world’s largest producer of cotton and The United States is the largest exporter of cotton. Cotton has undergone various technological advancements, including development of genetically modified varieties. Despite its economic importance, challenges such as fluctuating market prices and environmental concerns impact the cotton industry.

FAQs on Top 10 Countries of Cotton Production

1. Who are the top 3 producers of cotton in the world?

The top three producers of cotton in the world are India (5.9 million tonne), China (5.7 million tonne) and United States of America(3.9 million tonne).

2. Which country is largest producer of cotton 2023?

India is the largest producer of cotton in the world. Cultivated over 120.69 Lakh Hectares the country produces 5.9 million tonnes of crop produce annually.

3. What is the production of cotton in India 2023?

The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has released its first estimate of crop production for the 2023-24 (October-September) season. The cotton production is around 29.5 million bales (1 bale=170 kg). It is the lowest in 15 years.

4. Which is the cheapest cotton in the world?

Indian cotton is the cheapest in the world. The India cotton price is around Rs 33,000-36,000 per candy (1 candy is 356 kgs).

5. What is the world’s famous cotton?

Pima is the worlds famous cotton. It has extra long fibers which makes it extra soft and extra strong. It is resistant to fraying, tearing, pilling, wrinkling, and fading.