Cotton production in the United States fluctuates significantly from year to year. In 2024, around ***** million bales of cotton were produced in the United States, an increase from about **** million bales in the previous year. Leading States for cotton production Historically, much of the cotton in the United States has been grown in the Southern states, and this trend continues to this day. Texas had a cotton production volume of about *** million bales in 2023, making that state the top producer of cotton in the United States. Texas produced significantly more than the second leading producer of cotton, Georgia. In that year, Georgia produced around **** million bales of cotton. Genetically modified cotton Compared to other crops like genetically modified corn and soybeans, the acreage of genetically modified cotton is relatively low in the United States. However, between 2015 and 2019 the area planted with GM cotton in the U.S. has been slowly increasing. One of the most common types of genetically modified cotton is herbicide resistant cotton, which can survive being sprayed with herbicides while surrounding weeds are destroyed

This statistic shows the total acres of cotton planted and harvested in the United States from 2001 to 2024. In 2024, around 11.18 and 8.3 million acres of cotton were planted and harvested, respectively. The planted and harvested area both increased in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Annual cotton production in the United States grew from just a few thousand tons at the turn of the 19th century, to fluctuating between 1.6 million and 4.3 million tons throughout most of the 20th century. The amount of space used to produce cotton also grew from three to almost 18 million hectares of land between 1866 and the 1920s, before dropping to around four or five million hectares between the 1960s and 1980s. Despite this drop in land usage, advancements in agricultural technology meant that output remained relatively constant in the 20th century, meaning that output per hectare actually increased significantly.

The mechanical cotton gin's invention in 1793 revolutionized the U.S. cotton industry, which grew exponentially in the early 19th century. Cotton was the U.S.' primary export in these years, and its production was driven by slave labor in the southern states (particularly South Carolina). For the first time, output exceeded one million tons in 1859, and again in 1861, however, the disruption of the American Civil War caused cotton output to drop by over 93 percent in the next three years, to just 68 thousand tons by 1864. Production resumed upon its previous trajectory following the war's end, and many of the former-slaves forced to work on cotton plantations continued to work in the cotton industry, but as sharecroppers who worked the land in exchange for a share of the harvest, as well as housing and facilities (this was similar to tenant farming, although sharecroppers received a smaller share of the crop and had fewer legal protections).

The North American cotton Market size was valued at USD 13.48 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 17.13 Million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.91 % during the forecast periods. The North American cotton market remains a pivotal segment of the agricultural sector, driven by diverse applications and advanced technologies. Key features include high-yield varieties and sustainable farming practices. The primary application of cotton encompasses textiles, apparel, and industrial products. Types of cotton such as Upland and Pima dominate the market. Technological advancements like precision farming and genetically modified seeds have significantly enhanced productivity and quality. The impact of these innovations includes increased efficiency, reduced environmental footprint, and enhanced crop resilience. Advantages of the North American cotton market include a robust supply chain, high-quality output, and strong export potential, ensuring its competitive edge in the global market. Recent developments include: February 2021: BASF added three new cottonseed varieties to its cotton portfolio; one new FiberMax cottonseed variety and two new dicamba-tolerant Stoneville cottonseed varieties in the United States., February 2021: Americot expanded the NexGen line of Bollgard 3 XtendFlex varieties with three new additions. These three varieties provided growers with additional high-quality, high-yielding options with excellent fiber packages.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Adoption of Technology in Horticulture, Government Initiatives for Self-reliance in Vegetable and Fruit Farming. Potential restraints include: Limited Resource Availability and Unfavourable Climatic Condition, Increasing Reliance on Imports for Domestic Supply. Notable trends are: Demand from the Global Textile Industry Drives the Market.

The South American Cotton Market Report is Geographically Segmented Into Brazil, Argentina, and Other Countries. The Market Analysis Encompasses Production Volume, Consumption Metrics (value and Volume), Export Statistics (value and Volume), Import Data (value and Volume), and Price Trends. The Market Size and Forecasts are Presented in USD Thousand (value) and Metric Tons (volume) Across all Segments.

U.S. upland cotton exports to India have surged amid global trade tensions, driven by reduced exports to China and increased Indian demand due to declining local yields.

This statistic shows total cotton imports into the United States from 1990 to 2023. In 2023, the United States imported some five thousand 480-pound bales into the country.

The US Cotton Market forecasts that US cotton production will average 15.8 million bales in 2023/24, up slightly from the previous year's production of 15.5 million bales. Exports are also projected to increase in 2023/24, averaging 13.8 million bales, consistent with an average US share of global trade.

Cotton fell to 64.45 USd/Lbs on August 1, 2025, down 1.69% from the previous day. Over the past month, Cotton's price has risen 10.23%, but it is still 3.99% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Cotton - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on August of 2025.

The cotton industry has faced a revenue decline over the current period, driven by global oversupply and weakened demand, with fierce competition from major international producers. Cotton prices have remained low, pressuring industry revenue, which has dropped at a CAGR of 6.9% since 2020 to reach $5.8 billion after growing 7.6% in 2025. Globally, production has continued to expand, leading to record-high stocks, especially in major producing countries like the US, Brazil and China. This oversupply has resulted in volatile markets and intensified global competition, particularly from Brazil, which offers lower-cost cotton. Paired with an appreciated US dollar over the current period, this has posed a strong challenge to US exports and domestic market position. Input costs for cotton producers have remained elevated, despite many easing from their 2022 spike. Fertilizer prices have stayed high due to geopolitical tensions, tariffs and persistent supply chain disruptions. Seed costs continue to rise with ongoing advancements in seed genetics and supplier consolidation. Meanwhile, labor expenses are growing due to a scarcity of skilled workers and an increased dependence on costly immigrant labor solutions like the H-2A visa program. Current immigration restrictions have further limited the labor supply. These factors, combined with weak cotton prices, have significantly cut into industry profit, prompting many farmers to join cooperatives or consolidate to take advantage of economies of scale. Other producers are shifting some of their acreage to more profitable crops to sustain their operations. Despite continuing climate and price challenges, the industry faces a more optimistic outlook. Climate change poses significant risks with increased droughts and heatwaves threatening yields, necessitating investment in resilient cotton varieties. Sustainability and traceability demands are reshaping industry practices, offering avenues for premium markets despite the compliance costs. Over the next five years, cotton prices are set to remain subdued, while production continues to increase, though at a slower pace. Industry revenue is forecast to expand at a modest CAGR of 0.8%, reaching $6.0 billion in 2030.

Access North America Cotton Industry Overview which includes North America country analysis of (United States, Canada, Mexico), market split by Type , Application, Channel of Distribution

Explore the challenges facing the U.S. cotton industry in 2024/25 with lower production and reduced exports as outlined in the latest WASDE report.

Forecast: Cotton Production in the US 2023 - 2027 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Cotton is a major crop produced in the United States and is also a major export good for the United States. In 2022, around **** million 480-pound bales of cotton were exported from the United States, which was a decrease from about **** million bales in the previous year.

Global cotton trade Cotton is an extremely versatile crop and can be used to produce sanitary products, textiles, paper products, among other things. As such, cotton is in high demand worldwide. In the 2021/22 crop year, the United States was the leading exporter of cotton, at *** million metric tons. India was another major exporter of cotton in that time period. The top three destinations for imported cotton in that year were China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.

Leading cotton producing U.S. states Cotton has been a quintessential cash crop in the United States for centuries, particularly in the American South. In 2022, Texas produced about *** million bales of cotton, which was a larger volume than any other U.S. state. Georgia and Arkansas were the second and third leading producers of cotton in that year, with *** and **** million bales of cotton, respectively.

United States Crop Production: Cotton: Yield Per Acre data was reported at 905.000 Bale in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 867.000 Bale for 2016. United States Crop Production: Cotton: Yield Per Acre data is updated yearly, averaging 619.000 Bale from Dec 1963 (Median) to 2017, with 55 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 905.000 Bale in 2017 and a record low of 404.000 Bale in 1980. United States Crop Production: Cotton: Yield Per Acre data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Agricultural Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.B068: Agriculture Crop Production.

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Cotton Market Size 2025-2029

The cotton market size is forecast to increase by USD 8.69 billion, at a CAGR of 3.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is a significant contributor to economic growth and a crucial source of livelihood for numerous communities worldwide. Key drivers propelling the market include the adoption of new technologies by companies to enhance productivity and efficiency. However, challenges persist, including the overconsumption of water due to poor management and water pollution. These issues not only pose environmental risks but also threaten the sustainability of cotton production. companies are increasingly investing in advanced technologies such as genetically modified cotton seeds, Precision Farming, and automation to improve yields and reduce costs. These innovations enable farmers to optimize resource utilization and minimize waste.
However, the market faces a substantial challenge in addressing the environmental impact of cotton production, particularly water usage and pollution. Inefficient drip irrigation systems and the use of excessive water for cotton cultivation have led to water scarcity in several regions, threatening both agricultural productivity and food security. Additionally, the discharge of untreated cotton processing wastewater into water bodies contributes to water pollution, posing health risks to local populations and negatively impacting the environment. To capitalize on market opportunities and navigate these challenges effectively, companies must focus on implementing sustainable farming practices and investing in water management technologies.

What will be the Size of the Cotton Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, with dynamic interplay between various sectors shaping its landscape. Cotton trade is a vital component, influenced by global supply and demand trends. Weaving transforms raw cotton into fabric, with organic cotton gaining prominence due to increasing consumer demand for sustainable textiles. The cotton supply chain encompasses spinning, flannel, plaid, voile, and various other types, each with unique applications. Research and innovation are at the forefront of the industry, driving advancements in cotton twill, blends, recycling, and regulations. Policies and certifications shape the cotton production process, focusing on sustainability and agricultural practices. Apparel, home textiles, and industrial textiles, including denim, quilting, broadcloth, and medical textiles, showcase the versatility of cotton.

Cotton's continuous evolution is further highlighted in the emergence of technologies, such as cotton derivatives, printing, and dyeing. Market volatility influences pricing, while waste reduction and innovation in finishing processes contribute to the industry's ongoing growth. The market's intricate web of interconnected components ensures a dynamic and ever-evolving industry landscape

How is this Cotton Industry segmented?

The cotton industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Application

  Cotton fiber
  Cotton seed oil
  Cotton seed


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    Turkey


  APAC

    Bangladesh
    China
    India
    Pakistan


  Rest of World (ROW). 

By Application Insights

The cotton fiber segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Cotton, a natural fiber grown in tropical and subtropical regions, is a significant player in the global textile industry. India, as the world's leading cotton producer, contributes substantially to the market. The textile and apparel sectors' expansion fueled the cotton industry's growth. Consumer preferences and trends shape the demand for cotton fibers, which accounts for approximately one-third of all fibers produced globally. Despite being an export crop, most processing occurs in major producing countries, such as China and India. Cotton's versatility is evident in its various applications, including industrial textiles, denim, home textiles, quilting, broadcloth, medical textiles, and more. Organic cotton, recycled cotton, and cotton blends are gaining popularity due to sustainability concerns.

The cotton supply chain involves various processes, from harvesting and certifications to spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing. Cotton agriculture faces challenges such as regulations, production volatility, and sustainability concerns. To address these issues, re

United States Exports of cotton to Mexico was US$424.37 Million during 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. United States Exports of cotton to Mexico - data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on August of 2025.

Forecast: Cotton Production in the US 2022 - 2026 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Graph and download economic data for Raw Cotton Exports for United States (M0743AUSM149NNBR) from Jan 1867 to Dec 1941 about cotton, exports, and USA.

Forecast: Cotton Gross Production in the US 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!