US Cotton Export Data by Country: Top 10 Cotton Exporters in the USA

In recent years, the United States has been a major player in the global cotton market. The country's high-quality cotton has been in demand from countries all over the world. The USA is the 2nd biggest cotton exporter country in the world. According to the US cotton export data, the US cotton exports accounted for $7.29 billion in 2023 with a 32% decline from the previous year, while cotton exports from the US reached $5.06 billion in the first three quarters of 2024. 

• According to the live US Cotton Exporters data, there are 16000+ active cotton exporters and suppliers in the USA. 

• These US cotton exporters supply cotton to 23400+ buyers worldwide. 

• Cargill Cotton, Louis Dreyfus Company, and Olam Cotton are the biggest cotton exporter companies in the US. 

• Based on the US shipment data for 2024, there are more than 1.21 million active cotton export shipments from the US. 

• The US exports cotton to 130+ countries, as per the US cotton export data by country. 

• The 2-digit HS code for cotton in international trade is 52.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 cotton exporters in the USA and analyze the export data by country.

Major Insights into US Cotton Export Statistics

• Total Export Quantity: A total of 2.78 million metric tons of cotton were exported by the US in 2023.

• Export decline: Since 2020, when the United States shipped 16.4 million bales of cotton, the country's exports have been falling.

• Reduced output: The United States cultivated 10.2 million acres of upland cotton in 2023, the least amount since 2016.

• Harvested area: In 2023-24, 7.06 million acres of upland cotton were harvested, the second-lowest amount since 1866.

• Export volume: The United States exported around 12.3 million bales of cotton during the 2023–2024 marketing year.

• The United States is expected to export 11.5 million bales of cotton in 2024-2025, which is somewhat higher than the previous year.

• Export share: The United States' share in worldwide cotton trade is predicted to stay around 27%, somewhat higher than 2023/24 but lower than the 5-year average of 32.5%. 

• Cotton production: Cotton production in the United States is expected to reach 16.3 million bales in 2024/25, up 31% from the previous harvest year of 2023/24.

• Future Projection: In 2024/25, the other 1.8 million bales of cotton demand are expected to come from cotton mills in the US.

List of Top Cotton Exporters in the US: USA Cotton Exporters Database

These are the leading top 10 cotton exporters in the US according to the US Suppliers data and US cotton exporters database for 2024:

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1. Cargill Cotton: $1.4 billion

• A global leader in cotton exports, agricultural commodities and cotton merchandising.

• Total Export Quantity: ~1.2 million bales

• Active Export Shipments: ~8,000 shipments

• Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee

2. Louis Dreyfus Company: $1.1 billion

• It is a major player in cotton exporting and supply chain management.

• Total Export Quantity: ~1 million bales

• Active Export Shipments: ~6,500 shipments

• Headquarters: Wilton, Connecticut

3. Olam Cotton: $900 million

• A leading supplier of cotton, connecting farmers and textile mills globally.

• Total Export Quantity: ~800,000 bales

• Active Export Shipments: ~5,000 shipments

• Headquarters: Savannah, Georgia

4. ECOM USA: $800 million

• It specializes in trading coffee, cocoa, and cotton globally.

• Total Export Quantity: ~700,000 bales

• Active Export Shipments: ~4,800 shipments

• Headquarters: Dallas, Texas

5. Allenberg Cotton Co.: $700 million

• One of the largest cotton merchants in the U.S., operating globally.

• Total Export Quantity: ~600,000 bales

• Active Export Shipments: ~4,200 shipments

• Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee

6. Dunavant Enterprises Inc.: $600 million

• Historically significant in the cotton trade, with continued global influence.

• Total Export Quantity: ~500,000 bales

• Active Export Shipments: ~3,500 shipments

• Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee

7. Toyo Cotton Co. USA: $500 million

• It focuses on the export and sale of cotton to international markets.

• Total Export Quantity: ~450,000 bales

• Active Export Shipments: ~3,200 shipments

• Headquarters: Dallas, Texas

8. Noble Cotton: $400 million

• Operates globally to supply cotton from the U.S. to textile manufacturers.

• Total Export Quantity: ~350,000 Bales

• Active Export Shipments: ~2,800 shipments

• Headquarters: Stamford, Connecticut

9. Reinhart Trading Company: $350 million

• Connects U.S. cotton producers with textile mills worldwide.

• Total Export Quantity: ~300,000 bales

• Active Export Shipments: ~2,500 shipments

• Headquarters: Cordova, Tennessee

10. Plexus Cotton Ltd. USA: $250 million

• A trusted name in global cotton trading and sourcing.

• Total Export Quantity: ~200,000 bales

• Active Export Shipments: ~1,800 shipments

• Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee

US Cotton Exports by Country: USA Export Data by Country

In the realm of US cotton exports, China emerges as a significant player, accounting for a substantial $1.56 billion, representing 21.5% of the total exports. US cotton exports by country are an integral part of the USA's export data analysis, providing valuable insights into the global cotton trade market trends and relationships with different nations worldwide. The top 10 countries to which the US exports the most cotton according to the US bill of lading data and US export data for 2023-24 include:

1. China: $1.56 billion (21.5%)

2. Pakistan: $809.25 million (11.1%)

3. Vietnam: $751.28 million (10.3%)

4. Turkey: $674.90 million (9.2%)

5. Honduras: $627.88 million (8.6%)

6. Mexico: $422.83 million (5.8%)

7. Bangladesh: $339.21 million (4.6%)

8. Dominican Republic: $290.48 million (4%)

9. India: $232.42 million (3.2%)

10. Indonesia: $195.26 million (2.7%)

US Cotton Exports Data in the Last 10 Years

US Cotton Exports Are Increasingly Facing Competing

US cotton exporters are being displaced by China's growing imports of cotton from Brazil and Australia. Exports of cotton are off to a poor start in the 2024–2025 marketing year, with shipments so far falling considerably short of seasonal averages. Shipments to Vietnam have not been able to keep up with the decreases, which have been largely caused by decreased exports to China. A simple excuse for decreased Chinese imports is concerns about the state of the world economy. Lower U.S. exports, however, are primarily due to the availability of supplies from other nations.

As a result of the South American nation's increased competitiveness in international agricultural markets, Brazil surpassed the United States as the top exporter. As domestic supplies rebounded from subpar output, U.S. exports were constrained by higher imports from Brazil.

U.S. Exports of Cotton Will Decline

According to USDA, U.S. cotton exports will reach a nine-year low of 11.50 million bales in 2024–2025, a 2 percent decrease from the previous season. The United States has transported roughly 1.5 million bales, which is the slowest rate since the 2017–18 season and accounts for 13% of the USDA’s goal. Lower production as a result of unfavorable weather conditions that affected growing regions has contributed to that drop. However, competition from Brazil and Australia was also a factor. Lower export sales to China resulted from U.S. cotton prices trading at contract highs in early 2024. The cost of Brazilian cotton is somewhat lower. China would travel to other nations rather than the United States if it can. Trade with other nations, including Vietnam, where exports are up 60% in 2024–2025, will be necessary for U.S. exporters. Several variables contribute to the US cotton export decline, such as:

• Reduced global trade forecasts

• Lower import demand, particularly from China.

• Competition from synthetic fibers

• Global trade rivalry from other exporters, primarily Brazil.

Conclusion

The United States plays a crucial role in the global cotton market as one of the top exporters of cotton. According to the USDA report on US cotton exports, the CAGR of cotton exports from the USA was 3.1% in the last 10 years. The country's high-quality cotton is in demand from countries all over the world, with China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh being the top importers of US cotton. As the USA continues to strengthen its position in the global market, its cotton export data by country is likely to remain significant.

Find 16K+ active and verified cotton exporters in the US with our live US cotton exporters database. Contact us today at info@tradeimex.in.