Bangladesh sourced more than 40% of its cotton imports from Africa in the 2024–25 marketing year, solidifying its position as the world’s largest cotton importer, according to the latest assessment from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Africa accounted for 41% of Bangladesh’s total cotton imports from August 2024 to July 2025 — more than 3.3 million bales. Overall, Bangladesh’s cotton imports increased 6.2% year on year to 8.05 million bales, reflecting a strong revival in the country’s textile and garment sector following disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bangladesh Overtakes China as Top Global Cotton Importer
With 5.19 million bales imported during the period, Bangladesh surpassed China to become the largest cotton importer worldwide, narrowly ahead of Vietnam, which imported about 100,000 fewer bales. Despite being one of the world’s leading exporters of ready-made garments, Bangladesh depends on international markets for around 98% of its cotton needs, as domestic production remains limited at roughly 155,000 bales.
The USDA identified Benin, Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Mali as Bangladesh’s primary African suppliers. Beyond Africa, Brazil supplied 25% of Bangladesh’s cotton imports, while India provided around 15%.
Looking ahead, the USDA warned that Vietnam may overtake Bangladesh in 2025–26, with projected imports rising to 8.1 million bales.
Market Access Gives Bangladesh a Competitive Edge
The report noted that Bangladesh benefits from strong access to the European Union market, which represents around half of its apparel exports and provides duty-free access at least through 2029, pending policy revisions. This contrasts sharply with the 20% tariffs Bangladeshi garments face in the United States, one of its largest destination markets.
West Africa’s Industrial Ambitions May Shift Supply Dynamics
Several West African countries are advancing plans to move up the textile value chain, which may eventually reduce exportable cotton volumes. In Benin, the government aims to process nearly all domestically grown cotton by 2032, supported by plans for 28 integrated textile units in the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone near Cotonou.
Strong Long-Term Demand Keeps Bangladesh a Key Buyer
Despite evolving global dynamics, the USDA expects Bangladesh to remain a major market for global cotton exporters. The country currently consumes 8.5 million bales annually but has the potential to scale to 15 million bales as its textile ecosystem — made up of around 4,500 companies employing nearly 4 million workers — continues to grow.
In 2024–25, Bangladesh exported US$39.3 billion in ready-made garments, including knitwear, trousers, T-shirts and underwear, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading apparel producers.
