EU: Cotton Lint Market 2025

Cotton Lint Market Size in the EU

The EU cotton lint market rose sharply to $X in 2022, surging by 14% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cotton Lint Production in the EU

In value terms, cotton lint production reduced modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 18%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Greece (X tons) remains the largest cotton lint producing country in the European Union, comprising approx. 81% of total volume. Moreover, cotton lint production in Greece exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Spain (X tons), fourfold.

In Greece, cotton lint production expanded at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the period from 2012-2022.

In 2022, the average cotton lint yield in the European Union shrank slightly to X tons per ha, approximately mirroring 2021 figures. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the yield increased by 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the cotton lint yield reached the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, approx. X ha of cotton lint were harvested in the European Union; remaining stable against 2021. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 6.9%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to cotton lint production reached the maximum at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Cotton Lint Exports

Exports in the EU

In 2022, exports of cotton lint in the European Union declined remarkably to X tons, dropping by -33.8% compared with the year before. Overall, exports showed a pronounced downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 72%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2021, and then fell significantly in the following year.

In value terms, cotton lint exports shrank significantly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 75%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X, and then reduced notably in the following year.

Exports by Country

Greece represented the key exporting country with an export of around X tons, which recorded 87% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Spain (X tons), creating an 11% share of total exports.

Greece was also the fastest-growing in terms of the cotton lint exports, with a CAGR of -1.4% from 2012 to 2022. Spain (-5.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Greece (+8.6 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of Spain (-3.8 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Greece ($X) remains the largest cotton lint supplier in the European Union, comprising 85% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Spain ($X), with an 11% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Greece totaled +1.9%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in the European Union amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 21% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.0%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 30%. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Spain ($X per ton), while Greece stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Greece (+3.3%).

Cotton Lint Imports

Imports in the EU

In 2022, overseas purchases of cotton lint increased by 1.5% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a perceptible setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 15%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cotton lint imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, saw a slight decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 39%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Portugal (X tons) and Italy (X tons) were the key importers of cotton lint in 2022, finishing at approx. 28% and 24% of total imports, respectively. Germany (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 13% share, followed by Greece (6.6%), France (6%) and Poland (5.6%). Belgium (X tons) and the Netherlands (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Poland (with a CAGR of +15.1%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest cotton lint importing markets in the European Union were Italy ($X), Portugal ($X) and Germany ($X), with a combined 62% share of total imports. France, Greece, Poland, Belgium and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 26%.

Poland, with a CAGR of +16.3%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in the European Union stood at $X per ton in 2022, with an increase of 19% 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 2021 when the import price increased by 22% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by France (+6.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :