Bangladesh sourced more than 40% of its cotton imports from Africa in the 2024–25 marketing year, underscoring the continent’s growing influence in global cotton supply chains, according to the latest assessment from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Between August 2024 and July 2025, Africa supplied 41% of Bangladesh’s total cotton imports—equivalent to more than 3.3 million bales. Overall, Bangladesh’s cotton imports climbed 6.2% year on year to 8.05 million bales, reflecting a strong rebound in its textile and garment sector after pandemic-related disruptions.
With total imports reaching 5.19 million bales, Bangladesh also overtook China to become the world’s largest cotton importer, narrowly ahead of Vietnam, which imported around 100,000 fewer bales during the same period. Despite being a global powerhouse in ready-made garment exports, Bangladesh relies on foreign cotton for 98% of its needs, as domestic production remains limited at roughly 155,000 bales.
African suppliers gain ground
The USDA report highlights that Bangladesh’s primary African cotton suppliers include Benin, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali—countries that have steadily increased their market share due to improved fiber quality, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery. Outside Africa, Brazil supplied 25% of Bangladesh’s imports, while India contributed around 15%.
Looking ahead, the USDA projects that Vietnam may surpass Bangladesh as the world’s largest cotton importer in the 2025–26 season, with expected imports of around 8.1 million bales.
Also Read: Synthetic Fibers Surge, Threatening African Cotton Exports: UNCTAD Calls for Industry Development
EU access strengthens Bangladesh’s competitiveness
The report notes that Bangladesh benefits from strong market access to the European Union, which buys nearly half of its apparel exports and offers duty-free access until at least 2029, barring future policy revisions. This gives Bangladesh a cost advantage over competitors, especially as its exports to the United States continue to face tariffs of up to 20%.
West Africa’s industrial ambitions may reshape future flows
USDA analysts caution that cotton export volumes from Africa could gradually shift as several West African countries pursue domestic textile and apparel manufacturing. Benin, for instance, aims to process almost all its cotton locally by 2032, backed by plans for 28 integrated textile factories in the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone near Cotonou.
Strong long-term demand expected
Despite evolving supply dynamics, Bangladesh is expected to remain a major global market for cotton exporters. The country currently consumes around 8.5 million bales annually but has the structural capacity to absorb up to 15 million bales as investment and production scale up across its textile ecosystem of 4,500 companies employing nearly 4 million workers.
In 2024–25, Bangladesh exported US$39.3 billion worth of ready-made garments—including knitwear, trousers, T-shirts, and underwear—reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading apparel hubs.
