SADC: Market for Cotton (Carded Or Combed) 2025

Market Size for Cotton (Carded Or Combed) in SADC

The SADC cotton (carded or combed) market reduced to $X in 2022, with a decrease of -3.5% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -4.9% against 2018 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Cotton (Carded Or Combed) in SADC

In value terms, cotton (carded or combed) production reached $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 19% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Cotton (Carded Or Combed)

Exports in SADC

Cotton (carded or combed) exports skyrocketed to X tons in 2022, increasing by 18% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 182% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cotton (carded or combed) exports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, showed a perceptible setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 158% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

In 2022, Tanzania (X tons) was the main exporter of cotton (carded or combed), constituting 59% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Mozambique (X tons), committing a 37% share of total exports. South Africa (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by South Africa (with a CAGR of +15.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, Tanzania ($X) remains the largest cotton (carded or combed) supplier in SADC, comprising 66% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mozambique ($X), with a 28% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Tanzania totaled +1.9%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Mozambique (-6.8% per year) and South Africa (+19.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2022, picking up by 40% against the previous year. Export price indicated a notable increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, cotton (carded or combed) export price increased by +75.8% against 2020 indices. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Mozambique ($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 SADC

In 2022, purchases abroad of cotton (carded or combed) decreased by -21.1% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, imports recorded a slight contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 88% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cotton (carded or combed) imports reduced to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports recorded a slight decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 52% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Botswana prevails in imports structure, accounting for X tons, which was approx. 81% of total imports in 2022. South Africa (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 7.8% share, followed by Tanzania (6.9%). Swaziland (X tons) took a minor share of total imports.

Imports into Botswana increased at an average annual rate of +10.9% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Tanzania (+20.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Tanzania emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in SADC, with a CAGR of +20.7% from 2012-2022. Swaziland experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, South Africa (-18.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Botswana (+55 p.p.) and Tanzania (+5.9 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of South Africa (-45.1 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Botswana ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported cotton (carded or combed) in SADC, comprising 88% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Swaziland ($X), with a 4.3% share of total imports. It was followed by South Africa, with a 4.2% share.

In Botswana, cotton (carded or combed) imports increased at an average annual rate of +13.2% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Swaziland (+10.2% per year) and South Africa (-24.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the import price increased by 17%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs 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 Swaziland ($X per ton), while Tanzania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Swaziland (+10.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform