Brazil's Cotton Ascent: From importer to world's #1 exporter

Brazil's transformation from a cotton importer to the world's leading exporter is a remarkable achievement driven by a combination of innovation, technology adoption, sustainable practices, and partnerships. The world can glean valuable lessons from this journey across various aspects of agricultural development and global trade.

Successful landmarks

Becoming the #1 cotton exporter: Brazil officially became the world's largest cotton exporter in the 2023-24 marketing year. In the 2024-25 season, Brazil accounted for a record 30.5 per cent of world exports, surpassing the US.

Major yield increase: Brazil has seen a remarkable increase in cotton yields over the decades. According to the USDA, the yield reached a record of 1,911 kg/ha in the 2023/2024 season. Data from the USDA also shows a progression:

Table: Growth over the years

Reduction in cultivated area with increased yield: While yields increased by 648 per cent over the past few decades, the cotton area in Brazil reduced by 54 per cent. More recent USDA data indicates a fluctuating but generally increasing trend in planted area in recent years, reaching a record 1.945 million hectares in 2024-25.

Partnership with China: Brazil now supplies 40 per cent of China’s cotton imports, an increase from 6 per cent six years ago. As per OEC in 2024, China was the top destination for Brazil's raw cotton exports, valued at $1.73 billion.

Contribution to food security: For every 1 kg of lint, 1.25 kg of cottonseed is produced (as mentioned in the initial post). Data on the specific export volumes of cottonseed were not readily available in the provided search results.

Commitment to innovation and technology: This is an ongoing driver, reflected in the continuous yield improvements and adoption of modern farming techniques.

Way to success

One major reason for this success is the heavy investment in R&D. Indicated by the consistent increase in yields and development of region-specific cotton varieties. Embrapa's role is crucial here. Moreover, the high yields achieved are indicative of the use of precision agriculture, biotechnology (Bt cotton), and efficient irrigation though as per Cotton Brazil almost 93 per cent, of Brazilian cotton is rainfed.

The reduction in cultivated area despite increased output suggests efficient resource use, potentially linked to effective Integrated Pest Management strategies. And strong farmer organizations and cooperatives like ABRAPA (Brazilian Cotton Producers Association) play a vital role in promoting best practices and sustainability.

At the same time, government initiatives supporting agricultural research and export promotion have been crucial. What’s more approximately 84 per cent of Brazilian cotton production is certified for social and environmental sustainability. Their focus on quality is also undeniable the strong demand in international markets, particularly from textile powerhouses like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, indicates the high quality of Brazilian cotton. Brazil has also invested in infrastructure to facilitate the movement of large export volumes. As per ABRAPA in January 2025, Brazil exported a record 415.6 thousand tonnes of cotton, highlighting efficient export capabilities.

As per OEC data, in 2024, Brazil's export of raw cotton was worth $5.15 billion, making it the 12th most exported product from the country.

Table: Brazil cotton exports major destinations

While the overall growth trend is strong, there can be monthly fluctuations. For instance, in April 2025, Brazil exported 210.1 thousand tons, which was 13 per cent below April 2024 but still the second-highest volume on record for April. However, for the August 2024 to April 2025 period, total exports reached 2.35 million tons, only 12 per cent below the previous season's record.

Table: Monthly export volume (Jan-March 2025)

Lessons from Brazil’s success

Brazil's remarkable progress in cotton production exemplifies the power of long-term investment in research and development, as seen in consistent yield increases from 1,603 kg/ha in 2015/16 to over 1,900 kg/ha in recent years. This transformation is further driven by the adoption of advanced technologies, enabling record yields and a 54 per cent reduction in cultivation area without compromising output.

Sustainable practices have also taken centerstage, with 84 per cent of production now certified sustainable, proving both environmental responsibility and market viability. Strategic international partnerships, such as supplying 40 per cent of China’s cotton imports, highlight the benefits of strong trade relationships. Additionally, the co-production of cottonseed alongside lint strengthens food security, demonstrating agriculture’s multifaceted value. Brazil’s success is rooted in a culture of continuous improvement, adaptability to global markets, and strong collaboration through organizations like ABRAPA, which promote shared knowledge and coordinated growth across the sector.