Brazil Consolidates Leadership in Cotton Exports

Brazil continues to solidify its position as the world’s leading cotton exporter. In the 2023/2024 harvest, approximately 90% of production has already been processed, and expectations for the 2024/2025 cycle point to a new record. According to the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa), the country is expected to reach 3.91 million processed tons, an increase of 5.8% compared to the previous harvest.

This growth will be driven by an expansion in cultivated area, which is forecasted to reach 2.12 million hectares, a 6.6% increase. States like Piauí (+47.1%) and Minas Gerais (+33.1%) are expanding, while Mato Grosso and Bahia, Brazil’s leading producers, are increasing their areas by 5% and 10%, respectively.

Below is a historical data overview of Brazilian cotton exports starting in 2021. The data is from DataLiner:

Cotton exports (all destinations) | Jan 2021 to Oct 2024 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Global Market Expansion and Optimistic Projections

According to the National Association of Cotton Exporters (Anea), Brazil exported 945,000 tons by November 2024 and aims to ship 2.8 million tons in the next harvest. The primary destinations remain China, Vietnam, and Pakistan.

In the international market, future prices for December 2025 are quoted at $0.7104/lb, reflecting a recovery in global demand. Miguel Faus, Anea’s president, emphasized the importance of quality and logistical efficiency: “We will have a large harvest, a competitive market, and many challenges ahead, but we are confident that we will achieve our goals once again.”

Advances in Phytosanitary Control

Control of diseases such as ramularia and target spot was a central topic during the Cotton Production Chain Sectoral Chamber meeting organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA). During the event, researcher Fabiano Perina from Embrapa presented promising results from cooperative trials conducted in four states. Strategies such as fungicide rotation and regional control measures demonstrated the potential to reduce losses, strengthening the competitiveness of Brazilian cotton in the global market.

Textile Industry: Progress and Challenges

According to the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit), Brazil’s textile industry closed in 2024 with positive results. The sector recorded growth in textile production (+3.6%) and apparel (+1.7%), although exports declined by 5.6%.

For 2025, the industry plans to increase investments in technology and automation, focusing on competitiveness and sustainability. These initiatives are expected to reinforce Brazil’s role as one of the leading global players in the sector.

Source: Agrolink

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