Latin America and the Caribbean: Cotton Linters Market 2025

Cotton Linters Market Size in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2021, the Latin American cotton linters market decreased by -30.3% to $X, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, consumption showed a abrupt slump. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Cotton Linters Production in Latin America and the Caribbean

In value terms, cotton linters production rose significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a noticeable setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the production volume increased by 8.3% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cotton Linters Exports

Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2021, overseas shipments of cotton linters increased by 39% to X tons, rising for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, exports enjoyed a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 50% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

In value terms, cotton linters exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a noticeable contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 73% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Brazil dominates exports structure, recording X tons, which was near 97% of total exports in 2021. Argentina (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Brazil was also the fastest-growing in terms of the cotton linters exports, with a CAGR of +7.1% from 2012 to 2021. Argentina (-8.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Brazil increased by +9.1 percentage points.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest cotton linters supplier in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising 93% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Argentina ($X), with a 1.9% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Brazil stood at -2.0%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, surging by 17% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a abrupt setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the export price increased by 20% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Argentina totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (-5.2%).

Cotton Linters Imports

Imports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2021, overseas purchases of cotton linters increased by 2.9% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, imports, however, showed a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 70%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cotton linters imports rose notably to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, showed a abrupt decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when imports increased by 47%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Argentina (X tons), distantly followed by Venezuela (X tons), Trinidad and Tobago (X tons), Costa Rica (X tons), Cayman Islands (X tons), Chile (X tons), Brazil (X tons) and Colombia (X tons) represented the key importers of cotton linters, together making up 90% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Cayman Islands (with a CAGR of +145.0%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Chile ($X), Colombia ($X) and Argentina ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 36% share of total imports. Venezuela, Costa Rica, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago and Cayman Islands lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 34%.

In terms of the main importing countries, Venezuela, with a CAGR of +69.1%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, rising by 9.3% against the previous year. Import price indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 an increase of 76% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while Argentina ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Costa Rica (+1.5%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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