China surpassed India as the top buyer of Egyptian cotton, known for its extra-long fibres and smooth yarn, in 2022. During 2021, India was Egypt’s top buyer of Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton. Egyptian exports to India fell, while exports to China increased significantly.
Egyptian cotton is distinguished by its extra-long fibres that are smaller in diameter than standard cotton. When these finer, longer fibres are combed and spun, they produce smooth yarn, which when woven produces smooth, soft cloth.
Egyptian cotton exports to China were worth $116.934 million in 2022, accounting for 43.09 percent of total shipment. India, the world’s second largest market, imported cotton worth $75.152 million, accounting for 27.69% of the total. Pakistan received 14.17 percent of the shipment, Vietnam received 5.37 percent, and Bangladesh received 3.77 percent.
This buyer distribution pattern contrasts sharply with that of 2021, when Egyptian cotton exports to India were valued at $143.985 million, accounting for 65.58 percent of total exports. Meanwhile, Pakistan received 15.32% of total shipments, Bangladesh received 10.17%, and China received only 2.344%.
According to Indian trade sources, the significant delays in shipments by multinational cotton trading firms forced Indian buyers to halt their purchasing plans in 2022. This occurred at a time when natural fibre prices were at an all-time high. Conversely, the Chinese industry was forced to source cotton from all over the world because it was unable to export garments made from cotton grown in China’s Xinjian region to the United States.
