Leading the Charge: Bangladesh’s Dominance in Cotton Imports

Bangladesh is consolidating its position as the world’s largest importer of cotton. According to the latest USDA Foreign Agricultural Service report, Cotton: World Markets and Trade, Bangladesh will import 1.76 million tons of cotton between 2025 and 2026.

Behind Bangladesh is Vietnam, with an import figure close behind, and in third place, with nearly 1.28 million tons, is Pakistan. China is in fourth place, importing 1.1 million tons of cotton, and Turkey, 1.02 million tons. India and Indonesia, on the other hand, are still far behind the big players.

In terms of exports, Brazil is in the lead with 3.11 million tons of cotton. The United States, on the other hand, recorded 2.6 million tons of cotton, and Australia, 1.08 million tons. Exports from other countries are comparatively residual: India, Benin, Mali and Turkey.

Behind Bangladesh come Vietnam, Pakistan and China, despite tariffs

According to the report’s forecast, China will consume up to 39 million bales of cotton this year, a similar amount to last year. Exports of Chinese products have risen to the highest level recorded in the last seven years. However, its imports have fallen to the lowest level in nearly a decade.

China’s largest export market for cotton products remains the United States, despite concerns about tariffs. In July, exports recorded some of their lowest prices in eight years. In addition, China’s cotton product exports to the United States have been the second highest recorded in the last seven years.

According to the report, world cotton production will increase thanks to larger crops in China, India and Australia, which will balance reductions in Turkey, Mexico and Vietnam.

Bangladesh’s fashion industry

Fashion is one of Bangladesh’s main economic drivers, responsible for up to 80% of exports to the rest of the world. Most of the major players in the sector have suppliers in the territory. Garments made in Bangladesh account for 6.9% of the global share, according to the latest data published by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Moreover, Bangladesh is the second largest exporter of garments worldwide, behind only China, which has a 29.6% share of the world market. Bangladesh is followed by Vietnam with exports valued at $33.94 billion.