India overtakes China as top cotton product supplier to the US
Context
In 2025, India became the largest supplier of cotton products (apparel and home textiles) to the United States, overtaking China. The shift reflects broader changes in global trade patterns, supply chain diversification, and regulatory restrictions on Chinese goods.
Key developments
1. India surpasses China in exports to US
India exported about 0.6 million tonnes of cotton products to the US in 2025.
China’s exports declined to around 0.5 million tonnes.
This marks the first time in recent years that India has overtaken China in this market.
2. Decline of China’s market share
China’s decline in the US cotton product market has been gradual.
Reasons:
US tariffs on Chinese goods ranging from 10% to 125%.
Geopolitical tensions between the US and China.
Trade restrictions and compliance concerns related to supply chains.
China had peaked as a supplier around 2010, after which its share steadily declined.
Global cotton production and trade outlook (USDA)
Production
Global cotton production (2025–26): about 121 million bales.
Increase of 1.1 million bales.
Global trade
Global cotton trade projected at 43.9 million bales.
The United States has long been the world's leading exporter of cotton.(US is the largest importer of cotton products.)
Increase driven by:
Higher exports from Australia
Continued import demand from India and other countries
Cotton production and India’s position
Top cotton producers in the world
Cotton is one of the most important natural fibres in global textile production. A few countries dominate global output.
Top cotton-producing countries (2024–25):
China – ~7 million metric tonnes
India – second largest producer (Still Imports are expected to hit a record 50 lakh bales (170 kg each) in 2025-26, up from 41 lakh bales the previous year.)
Brazil
United States of America
Pakistan
These five countries together account for more than 75% of global cotton production.
China alone contributes over 25% of global output, while India contributes around 23%.
Importance of cotton globally
Cotton is the second most used fibre globally after polyester.
It accounts for about 20% of global fibre demand.
Around 80% of cotton is used in apparel, while the remaining 20% is used in home textiles and industrial products.
Cotton supports about 24 million farmers globally and provides livelihood benefits to over 100 million families.
World cotton day 2025
Celebrated on 7 October every year.
The 2025 celebration in New Delhi was organised by the Ministry of Textiles and Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI).
Theme:
“Cotton 2040: Technology, Climate & Competitiveness.”
Cotton sector governance in India
The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) plays a key role in stabilising the cotton market.
Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)
Established in July 1970
central public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
It was incorporated on 31 July 1970 under the Companies Act 1956. CCI is governed by Textile Policy 1985 issued by the Ministry of Textiles.
Implements Price Support Operations (PSO) under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism
Functions
Stabilises cotton prices
Procures cotton when market prices fall below MSP
Supplies cotton to domestic textile industries
Ensures availability during lean seasons
Productivity challenges in India
India has a major structural issue in cotton production.
India accounts for ~40% of global cotton cultivation area.
However, productivity is only about 450 kg/hectare.
In comparison:
Many countries achieve around 2000 kg/hectare productivity.
Reasons for low productivity in India
Small landholdings
Rainfed cultivation in many regions
Pest attacks (especially pink bollworm)
Limited mechanisation
Technology adoption gaps
Cotton: ideal growth conditionsClimate
Rainfall
Soil
Light
Nutrients
Cultivation practices in India
Key prelims facts
India is recognized as the only country in the world that produces all four cultivated species of cotton on a commercial scale. The four cultivated species of cotton grown in India are:
Top Producers: Following Gujarat, the leading states are Maharashtra (approx. 25% share), Telangana (approx. 15-16% share), and Rajasthan. | ||
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. Which of the following conditions are suitable for cotton cultivation?
Temperature between 21°C and 30°C
Dry weather during harvesting
Deep well-drained soils
Frost-free growing season
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
Explanation:
Cotton requires warm temperature, dry harvesting conditions, deep soils, and a long frost-free growing season, making all four statements correct.
Q. With reference to cotton cultivation in India, consider the following statements:
Cotton requires high rainfall during harvesting.
Black cotton soil is suitable for cotton cultivation.
Cotton is a short-duration crop.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 2 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cotton requires dry weather during harvesting, not heavy rainfall. It is a long-duration crop (6–8 months). Hence only statement 2 is correct.