Africa: Market for Cotton (Carded Or Combed) 2025

Market Size for Cotton (Carded Or Combed) in Africa

In 2022, the African cotton (carded or combed) market increased by 10% to $X for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, consumption, however, recorded a noticeable contraction. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Cotton (Carded Or Combed) in Africa

In value terms, cotton (carded or combed) production declined to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by 21% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2019; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Exports of Cotton (Carded Or Combed)

Exports in Africa

In 2022, shipments abroad of cotton (carded or combed) decreased by -6.4% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Overall, exports, however, showed buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when exports increased by 133% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cotton (carded or combed) exports amounted to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 140%. The level of export peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

In 2022, Mali (X tons) represented the main exporter of cotton (carded or combed), creating 72% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Burkina Faso (X tons) and Tanzania (X tons), together comprising a 22% share of total exports. Mozambique (X tons) took a relatively small share of total exports.

Mali was also the fastest-growing in terms of the cotton (carded or combed) exports, with a CAGR of +54.1% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Burkina Faso (+34.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, Mozambique (-2.5%) and Tanzania (-5.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Mali and Burkina Faso increased by +68 and +13 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Mali ($X) remains the largest cotton (carded or combed) supplier in Africa, comprising 77% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Burkina Faso ($X), with a 10% share of total exports. It was followed by Tanzania, with a 7.3% share.

In Mali, cotton (carded or combed) exports expanded at an average annual rate of +64.4% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Burkina Faso (+29.3% per year) and Tanzania (+1.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 8% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 an increase of 32%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2020 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Tanzania ($X per ton), while Burkina Faso ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Tanzania (+8.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Imports of Cotton (Carded Or Combed)

Imports in Africa

In 2022, approx. X tons of cotton (carded or combed) were imported in Africa; which is down by -6.7% against the year before. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a perceptible downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 30% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cotton (carded or combed) imports contracted to $X in 2022. Overall, imports saw a pronounced shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Botswana (X tons) and Kenya (X tons) represented roughly 63% of total imports in 2022. Algeria (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 13% share, followed by Tunisia (4.6%). South Africa (X tons), Tanzania (X tons) and Nigeria (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Tanzania (with a CAGR of +20.7%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Botswana ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported cotton (carded or combed) in Africa, comprising 50% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Kenya ($X), with a 17% share of total imports. It was followed by Algeria, with a 16% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Botswana stood at +13.2%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Kenya (-6.3% per year) and Algeria (+10.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 15% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton, leveling off in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Botswana ($X per ton), while Nigeria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Tanzania (+3.2%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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