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This statistic shows the world's leading cotton-producing countries in crop year 2026/2027. In that year, cotton production in China amounted to around 7.3 million metric tons. 

Cotton production

Cotton is a natural plant fiber that grows around the seed of the cotton plant. Fibers are used in the textile industry, where they are the starting point of the production chain. First, the cotton fiber is obtained from the cotton plant and then spun into yarn. From there, the cotton yarn is woven or knitted into fabric.

The use of cotton has a long tradition in the clothing industry due to its desirable characteristics. Cloths made of this fiber are moisture-absorbent, have a good drape, and are known for their long durability. Consumers continue to purchase large amounts of cotton products as they prefer cotton’s light and comfortable qualities. Products made from cotton range from highly absorbent bath towels and bed linens to basic clothes such as t-shirts, underwear, or socks.

The top cotton-producing countries include China, India, and the United States, respectively. Within the United States, the Southern states traditionally harvest the largest quantities of cotton. This region was formerly known as the ‘Cotton Belt,’ where cotton was the predominant cash crop from the 18th to the 20th century. Due to soil depletion and social and economic changes, cotton production has declined, and acres in this region are now mainly used for crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.