Cotton linter import of China posts a 33% y-o-y growth in 2024

Cotton linter import of China in the past five years was generally below 100kt, except for an explosive growth in 2021 with the volume soaring to around 200kt. The import hit a 5-year low in 2023 but saw a recovery in 2024. According to customs data, China imported 96kt of cotton linter in 2024, rising by 33% year on year. The import price increased by 5.5% or $23/mt to $440/mt.

China imported cotton linter from 19 countries (regions) in 2024, representing an increase of 6 compared with 2023. From 2021 to 2022, Turkey led for two consecutive years, while India ranked first in 2023-2024. India, Brazil and Turkey were the top three, collectively accounting for 81% in 2024.

In terms of import sources, the concentration has increased significantly. In 2024, imports came from 19 countries and regions, with India, Turkey, and Brazil dominating, accounting for 81%. Among them, India has been the largest source of China's imported cotton linter for many years, accounting for over 40%. In 2024, due to the scarcity and high prices of Chinese cotton linter, the dependence on imported linters by Chinese cotton linter pulp mills has increased, and imports from India have surged by 18% year-on-year throughout the year, accounting for 36%. Affected by the Sino-US relations, the import of cotton linter from U.S. decreased much in 2023, but soared in 2024, showing a significant increase of 119%, and the volume is likely to rise further in 2025. Moreover, there were also imports from Africa and Central Asia.

Cotton linter was imported to 11 provinces (regions) in 2024, a decrease of 1 compared with 2023. Among them, Shandong continued to rank first with a share of 26%. Shandong, Anhui and Jiangsu remained the top three destinations of imported cotton linter, collectively accounting for 72%, while imports from other regions were all below 10%. The areas with large imports are mostly the ones with active cotton linter trades or the key consumption of cotton linter in China.