How much cotton does China produce?
China is the largest producer of cotton: 5.6 million tonnes in 2023, 23% of the world's 24.7 million tonnes (FAOSTAT).
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China's cotton production
| World rank | Production (tonnes) | Share of world | Ten-year growth | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5.6 million tonnes | 23% | -1.1% a year | 2023 |
FAOSTAT Crops and livestock products (QCL), 2023. World total is the sum of reporting countries.
Share of world output over time
| 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25% | 24% | 25% | 24% | 23% |
China as a buyer of cotton
China imported $4.5 billion of raw cotton lint (HS 5201) in 2024, 26% of world imports, ranked #1. Of its $4.5 billion of cotton imports in 2024, 38% came from Brazil and 35% from the United States, among 60 suppliers. Largest sources: Brazil (38%), United States (35%), Australia (15%), India (2.9%), Turkey (Türkiye) (1.6%).
The cotton price China sells into
The benchmark price, Cotlook A Index, CFR Far East, was $2.1/kg in September 2026, up 22% over twelve months. Its five-year volatility is 19% a year, calmer in 67% of its earlier five-year windows. A single country's export price can differ from the benchmark: see trade price against benchmark. Monthly averages lag the market and are not investment advice. Cotton price history.
Cite as: Commodity Origins, "China cotton: production, exports and prices", https://commodityorigins.com/countries/CHN/cotton/ (CC BY 4.0). Rankings count only countries reporting to the sources named; this page is shown only for top-five producers or exporters with at least 3% of the world total. Report an issue with this page.