Brazil’s dominance in the global cotton market continues to grow, solidifying its leadership position as the world’s top cotton exporter. The country has shown impressive growth in cotton production and exports, with expectations pointing to a new record harvest in the 2024/2025 cycle. This article explores the latest developments in Brazil’s cotton industry, its export performance, and the challenges and opportunities facing the textile sector in the coming years.

Record Cotton Production and Export Expectations for 2024/2025

In the 2023/2024 harvest season, Brazil processed approximately 90% of its cotton production, with the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa) projecting a new record for the upcoming cycle. The country is expected to process 3.91 million tons of cotton, marking a 5.8% increase from the previous season. This growth is driven by an expansion in cultivated land, which is forecasted to reach 2.12 million hectares—a 6.6% increase compared to last year.

Key cotton-producing states such as Piauí (+47.1%) and Minas Gerais (+33.1%) are significantly increasing their cultivated areas. The country’s main producers, Mato Grosso and Bahia, are also expanding by 5% and 10%, respectively. As the demand for cotton rises globally, Brazil’s production capacity is well-positioned to meet the growing needs of international markets.

Global Market Expansion and Export Growth

Brazil’s cotton exports have been a driving force behind its rise as a global leader in the market. By November 2024, the country had already exported 945,000 tons, with projections to reach 2.8 million tons by the end of the 2024/2025 harvest cycle. China, Vietnam, and Pakistan remain Brazil’s primary export destinations, reinforcing the country's strong position in key Asian markets.

The global cotton market is seeing a recovery in demand, with future prices for December 2025 quoted at $0.7104 per pound. Miguel Faus, president of the National Association of Cotton Exporters (Anea), emphasized that Brazil is well-equipped to capitalize on this recovery. “We will have a large harvest, a competitive market, and many challenges ahead, but we are confident that we will achieve our goals once again,” Faus stated, highlighting the importance of quality and logistical efficiency in securing Brazil’s market share.

Advances in Phytosanitary Control

One of the key factors in Brazil’s success in the cotton export market is its commitment to maintaining the health of its crops. The control of cotton diseases such as ramularia and target spot has been a central focus of the Cotton Production Chain Sectoral Chamber meeting, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA). During this meeting, researcher Fabiano Perina from Embrapa presented promising results from cooperative trials in four states, which showed that strategies like fungicide rotation and regional control measures can significantly reduce losses. These advancements in phytosanitary control further enhance the competitiveness of Brazilian cotton in the global market.

Brazil’s Textile Industry: Growth Amidst Challenges

While Brazil’s cotton production and exports are booming, the country’s textile industry is also seeing progress, though not without its challenges. The Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit) reported a 3.6% increase in textile production and a 1.7% rise in apparel output in 2024. However, exports in the sector have faced a slight decline of 5.6%.

Looking ahead to 2025, Brazil’s textile industry plans to increase its investments in technology and automation to remain competitive in the global marketplace. These initiatives aim to enhance productivity, sustainability, and innovation, positioning Brazil as a leading player in the global textile industry for years to come.

Conclusion

Brazil’s cotton industry is poised for continued success, with an expanding production area and strong export prospects. The country’s ability to meet global demand while maintaining high standards of quality and phytosanitary control is a key factor in its growing dominance. As the textile sector also adapts to technological advancements and sustainability initiatives, Brazil’s position as a global leader in both cotton production and textile manufacturing seems secure. The coming years promise to be an exciting time for Brazil’s cotton industry, with opportunities for further growth and market expansion on the horizon.