- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Tue, 07 Oct 2025 01:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Top 10 Cotton Producing Countries: World Cotton Day, celebrated annually on October 7, honours the value of cotton in the global economy and its critical role in sustaining millions of farmers, workers and industries. Cotton's enormous demand and many applications have earned it the moniker "white gold" of agriculture. It gives rural communities jobs, supplies raw materials for the textile industry and generates revenue for many nations through exports.
By 2025, the world’s cotton production will continue to be led by a few major players who contribute significantly to the global supply chain. The leading producers are still countries like China, India, the United States, Brazil and more, but countries in Africa and Central Asia are also making significant strides. These producers are using eco-friendly farming practices and contemporary technology to meet the growing demand for organic and sustainable cotton.
List of the Top 10 Largest Cotton Producing Countries In 2025
On this World Cotton Day, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 largest cotton-producing countries shaping the world’s textile future. Also, take a look at the 10 most popular uses of cotton across the world.
| Rank | Country | Cotton Production (Million Bales) (2024) | Global Share (%) | Primary Production Method / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 32.0 | 26.7 | Mechanised and irrigated farming in the Xinjiang region |
| 2 | India | 24.0 | 20.0 | Rain-fed cotton in Maharashtra, Gujarat & Telangana; mostly small farms |
| 3 | United States | 14.4 | 12.0 | Mechanised production in Texas, California & Mississippi Delta |
| 4 | Brazil | 17.0 | 14.2 | Large-scale mechanised farming in Mato Grosso & Bahia |
| 5 | Australia | 5.6 | 4.7 | Highly mechanised irrigated cotton in New South Wales & Queensland |
| 6 | Turkey | 4.0 | 3.3 | Irrigated farming in the Aegean, Southeastern Anatolia, and Çukurova regions |
| 7 | Pakistan | 5.0 | 4.2 | Grown mainly in Punjab & Sindh provinces under semi-irrigated conditions |
| 8 | Uzbekistan | 3.0 | 2.5 | Irrigated cotton farming in the Fergana Valley under a state-regulated system |
| 9 | Turkmenistan | 0.8 | 0.7 | Government-managed irrigated fields in Mary & Lebap regions |
| 10 | Mali | 1.1 | 0.9 | Smallholder rain-fed farming in southern Mali under cooperatives |
Source: World Population Review
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10 Most Popular Uses of Cotton
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Cotton-producing countries (Image: Canva)
1. Clothing and Textiles
Clothing items like shirts, dresses, jeans, and undergarments are the main items made from cotton. It is the preferred fabric for everyday wear because of its comfort, softness, and breathability. Cotton fabric is perfect for any climate because it absorbs moisture and promotes air circulation.
2. Home Furnishings
Cotton is the most common material used in home furnishings, ranging from curtains and upholstery to bed linens and pillowcases. Every home is made cosier and more elegant by its natural texture, ease of maintenance, and longevity.
3. Medical Supplies
Cotton is also used extensively in the medical field for swabs, gauze, cotton balls and bandages. It is ideal for wound care and hygiene because of its hypoallergenic and absorbent properties.
4. Personal Care Products
Cotton is used to make items like earbuds, baby wipes, and makeup remover pads. Because it is mild on the skin, it is safe and efficient for both cosmetic and everyday hygiene applications.
5. Industrial Products
It is used to make industrial products like workwear, tarpaulins, ropes and tents. It is appropriate for heavy-duty applications due to its strength and flexibility.
6. Paper and Currency Notes
High-quality paper and even banknotes are made from cotton fibres. Long-lasting paper products are made possible by their resilience to wear and durability.
7. Cottonseed Oil
This oil is extracted from cotton seeds and used in processed foods and cooking. Its mild scent and smooth texture make it an essential component of lubricants, soaps, and cosmetics.
8. Animal Feed
After extracting oil, the remaining cottonseed meal is used as nutritious animal feed. It provides protein and essential nutrients for cattle and livestock.
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9. Denim and Fashion Accessories
Cotton is used to make denim, the material used to make jeans and jackets. Because of its durability and comfort, it is a mainstay of international fashion, influencing innumerable looks and trends.
10. Eco-Friendly Products
With an emphasis on sustainability, cotton is now utilised in biodegradable packaging materials, reusable napkins, and eco-friendly bags. These goods encourage a greener world by reducing plastic waste.