Refined cotton exports from China to the US post a decline of 90% in Jan-Sep

The export market for refined cotton and specialty cotton linter pulp in the first three quarters of this year has been relatively stable. However, due to various factors, exports to European and American countries have significantly decreased, especially to the United States, with a decline of up to 90%.

Last year, the total export volume of refined cotton and specialty cotton linter pulp was nearly 82kt, an increase of 22.3% compared to the previous year, reaching a historical peak. Although there has been a slight decline in the first three quarters of this year, the volume is still at a high level compared to last year. In Sep of this year, the export volume was approximately 6.458kt, a year-on-year decrease of 1.9%. The cumulative export volume from Jan to Sep was 61.927kt, a year-on-year decrease of 1.5%, with a relatively small decline.

In terms of export destinations, China's export of refined cotton and specialty cotton linter pulp is relatively scattered. From Jan to Sep 2023, there were exports to 37 countries and regions. However, the concentration of exports is high, with South Korea, Japan, Brazil, and Thailand ranking in the top four, accounting for nearly 70% of the total. However, due to the impact of China-US relations and the ban on Xinjiang cotton, exports to some European and American countries have significantly decreased this year, especially exports to the United States have experienced a "cliff-like" decline. From Jan to Sep this year, the export to the United States was less than 270 tons, a decrease of 90.2%, and that to Germany was nearly 320 tons, a decrease of 88%.

However, it is worth noting that in recent years, exports to South Korea have been outstanding. From Jan to Sep this year, the export to South Korea was about 21.955kt, a year-on-year increase of 19.7%, accounting for over one-third of the total export volume. Exports to Brazil have also increased sharply to 6.695kt from Jan to Sep this year, accounting for nearly 11% and a year-on-year increase of 193.9%.

In conclusion, the export volume of refined cotton and specialty cotton linter pulp exceeded 80kt last year, reaching a peak of nearly 82kt. Although the export market has slightly declined in the first three quarters of this year, it has remained relatively stable overall. Exports to South Korea have maintained a leading position with a share of over one-third, and exports to Brazil have significantly increased. However, affected by various factors, exports to European and American countries have greatly decreased this year, especially exports to the United States, which have declined by over 90%.