Brazilian cotton exports hit May record with 291,000 tonnes shipped

Brazilian cotton exports reached a new record in May 2026, with the country shipping 291,200 tonnes and generating US$449.6 million in revenue — the highest volume ever recorded for the month.

In the first four months of 2026 alone, Brazil shipped 101,345 TEUs of cotton to international destinations, according to Datamar data. The chart below compares the figures for recent years:

Cotton Exports | Jan-Apr | 2023 – 2026 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

The figures from the Foreign Trade Secretariat, Secex, analyzed by the National Association of Cotton Exporters, Anea, reinforce Brazil’s position among the world’s leading suppliers of the commodity.

With the May result, exports in the 2025/26 season, which began in July 2025, reached 3.129 million tonnes, surpassing the 3-million-tonne mark for the first time. Although May shipments were below April levels, the result kept the season on a record pace.

Exports rise more than 50% from 2025

Compared with May last year, exports rose 51.5% by volume and 45.3% by revenue. The result came despite a global backdrop marked by logistics challenges, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

Cotton accounted for 1.41% of all Brazilian exports in May, strengthening its relevance among agribusiness products.

Cotton gains ground in Brazil’s export basket

Among agricultural exports, cotton ranked third by value, with a 5.52% share. In Brazil’s overall export ranking, it placed 15th.

The performance reflects investments by the sector in productivity, quality, traceability and sustainability, factors that have increased the competitiveness of Brazilian cotton in international markets.

Bangladesh leads purchases of Brazilian cotton

Export destinations shifted significantly in May. Bangladesh became the leading buyer of Brazilian cotton, accounting for 21.1% of shipments.

It was followed by:

• Pakistan: 19.0%
• Turkey: 14.2%
• Vietnam: 13.4%
• China: 9.6%
• Indonesia: 8.5%
• India: 6.3%

Together, Bangladesh and Pakistan accounted for about 40% of Brazilian cotton exports in the month.

Diversification reduces dependence on China

China’s share fell to 9.6% of shipments in May, after accounting for about one-third of exports during part of the season.

According to sector analysts, the shift reflects greater diversification among buyer markets, reducing dependence on a single destination and making trade flows more balanced.

India cuts purchases after tax benefit ends

India’s share fell from 11% in April to 6.3% in May after tax incentives on cotton imports came to an end.

While the measure was in force, Indian importers significantly increased purchases of Brazilian cotton. With the benefit ending, volumes returned to levels closer to historical patterns.

Steady supply strengthens Brazil’s competitiveness

According to Anea, one of Brazil’s main advantages is its ability to supply the international market throughout the year. That steady availability increases buyer confidence and strengthens the country’s position against other major global exporters.

Advances in logistics, fiber quality and traceability have also helped expand the presence of Brazilian cotton in increasingly demanding markets.

The export record also directly benefits Mato Grosso, Brazil’s top cotton-producing state. Stronger international demand creates more sales opportunities for the crop, encourages investment and reinforces the state’s leading role in Brazilian cotton production.

Source: NewsMT

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