Nov 2025 cotton yarn exports decline year-on-year

In November 2025, China's cotton yarn exports continued to decline. According to China Customs, export volume for the month reached 16,400 tons, down 13% year-on-year and 3.7% month-on-month (HS code: 5205). The single-month export scale further contracted compared to earlier periods.

In November 2025, China's cotton yarn exports continued their downward trajectory, with monthly volume reaching 16,400 tons. In cumulative terms, from January to November 2025, national cotton yarn exports totaled 203,700 tons, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 19.89%. Despite periodic fluctuations in monthly exports in the short term, cumulative exports for the year maintained a pattern of steady growth.

From the perspective of export product structure, in November 2025, the top three varieties-combed 54.8-66S, combed above 66S, and combed 30.4-46.6S-collectively accounted for 63.64% of exports. Compared to the 71.61% share during the same period last year, the concentration of major varieties narrowed year-on-year. From January to November 2025, the combined exports of the top three varieties-combed 30.4-46.6S, combed 54.8-66S, and combed above 66S-increased by 16.1% year-on-year, with a slight deceleration in the growth rate, resulting in an export volume increase of 16,600 tons.

Combed 54.8-66S increased by 1.27% year-on-year, while combed above 66S decreased by 13.88% year-on-year, and combed 30.4-46.6S decreased by 50.95% year-on-year. Notably, from January to November 2025, exports of combed 54.8-66S grew by 58.71% year-on-year, with an incremental volume of 19,800 tons.

In terms of export destinations, Pakistan accounted for 44.18% of the share in November, representing a year-on-year decrease of 12.57%, while Vietnam and Bangladesh together accounted for 19.17%. From January to November 2025, cotton yarn exports to Pakistan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh made up 73.18% of the total export volume, amounting to 149,100 tons, which reflects a year-on-year increase of 19.89%.

In terms of export volume, China's cotton yarn exports to major markets showed significant divergence in November 2025.

Exports to Pakistan decreased by 32.28% year-on-year, while exports to Bangladesh dropped by 46.86% year-on-year. In contrast, exports to Vietnam increased by 24.95% year-on-year, and exports to Hong Kong, China surged by 218.44% year-on-year. However, the export volume to Hong Kong, China remained relatively low at only 1,200 tons.

From January to November 2025, China's cotton yarn exports to Pakistan totaled 99,000 tons, marking a year-on-year increase of 48.13%. Exports to Bangladesh reached 27,700 tons, up 3.82% year-on-year, while exports to Vietnam amounted to 22,400 tons, reflecting a 3.1% year-on-year growth.

In November 2025, global apparel brands slowed their ordering pace, shifting toward need-based inventory replenishment rather than bulk procurement. Pakistan's yarn mills experienced a temporary contraction in import demand. Vietnam, on the other hand, diversified its sources of cotton yarn imports and maintained steady restocking throughout the year. Despite weaker sales of other imported yarn categories, Vietnam continued to show stable growth. Hong Kong, China lacked internal textile end-demand, and its cotton yarn imports were primarily used for re-export trade. Due to the absence of downstream industrial support, the high growth rate here does not reflect substantive demand.

In November 2025, China's cotton yarn exports experienced a short-term decline. Although exports to major markets fluctuated during the month, cumulative growth for the year remained significant, with high-count combed yarn continuing to dominate the export structure. Moving forward, it will be essential to monitor demand changes in key markets and adjust the product mix accordingly to sustain stable export growth.