Brazilian cotton exports broke previous records in the period between July 2025 and May 2026 with shipments reaching 3.1 million tons.
The month of May 2026 also recorded the highest export volume ever for the month, with 291,200 tons, an increase of 51.5% compared to May 2025, but down from its previous month due to seasonal factors
According to the President of the National Cotton Exporters Association (ANEA), Dawid Wajs, a shift in the main buyers of Brazilian cotton has occurred, with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Vietnam leading imports, while China’s share has fallen and India’s has declined.
“We have already surpassed 3 million tons in the 11 months to May 2026 and exports have recorded history in the second quarter of 2026, with one more still remaining in the quarter. Brazil has consolidated itself as a 12-month supplier,” Wajs said.
In May 2026, Bangladesh took the lead among destinations for Brazilian cotton, with 21.1% of shipments, followed by Pakistan with 19%, Turkey 14.2% and Vietnam 13.4%.
Bangladesh and Pakistan together accounted for 40% of exports in the month. China’s share, which at one point accounted for about a third of exports this season, fell to 9.6% in May.
Cotton export share to other destinations in May 2026 included: Indonesia at 8.5%, India 6.3%, Malaysia 3.6%, Egypt 2.1%, South Korea 0.8%, Thailand 0.5%, Mauritius 0.4%, and South Africa 0.1%.
