Brazilian Cotton Crop Outlook 2023/24

26 September 2023, Mumbai

Outlines

Cotton picking in Brazil is 94% completed in terms of the total planted area as of September 18, 2023.

In August, Brazil shipped 104.3 thousand tonnes of cotton – up by 66% compared with the amount shipped in August/2022.

Brazil is estimated to export a total of 2.4 million tonnes in the current market year (2023/24). If confirmed, this will represent a 66% increase over the previous season.

HVI results show an upward trend for the quality of Brazilian cotton.

Brazil is also estimated to export 2.4 million tonnes of cotton in 2023/24, a 66% increase over the previous year. This is due to a combination of factors, including the larger crop, improved quality, and strong global demand.

Brazilian cotton quality is improving, with 96% of samples within the desired micronaire range in 2023/24. Fibre strength and length have also improved.

Overall, the Brazilian cotton sector is poised for a strong year in 2023/24. With a larger crop and improved quality, Brazil is well-positioned to meet the growing global demand for cotton.

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Additional details:

• Brazil exported 104.3 thousand tonnes of cotton in August 2023, up 66% from the same month in 2022.
• The average cotton yield in Brazil is expected to be 1,840 kg/ha in 2023, an increase of 18.9% over the previous year.
• The main destinations for Brazilian cotton exports are China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Pakistan.

The Brazilian cotton sector is a major player in the global market. With its large production and export volumes, Brazil is well-positioned to meet the growing global demand for cotton.

2023 Crop

The forecast for total cotton production is 3.07 million tonnes (+1%) from a planted area of 1.67 million hectares (+20%). Abrapa predicts an average cotton yield of 1,840 kg of cotton per hectare in 2023, an increase of 18.9% over the previous year.

Export Shipments

Brazil exported 104.3 thousand tonnes of cotton in August/2023. This amount is 66% above the amount shipped in August/2022. The monthly shipments of Brazilian cotton resulted in revenues of U$ 187.7 million.

Brazilian cotton exports in the 2023/24 market year are estimated to be 2.4 million tonnes (August 2023 to July 2024). This will represent a 66% increase over the previous year, 2022/23.

Made in Brazil

Brazilian cotton quality is on the up. The Brazilian cotton that will be going out to the global market in the 2023/24 market year will present better quality indicators than in the previous season. 

One example is micronaire (MIC), which is a measurement of fibre diameter and maturity. Tests show that 96% of the samples were within the desired range of 3.50 to 4.90. 

In addition, the percentage of fibre lower than 3.6 has drastically reduced. Fibre strength and length have also improved, especially in relation to length and uniformity. 

The short fiber index is better but there is still room to improve, although this parameter is also affected by weather conditions. Another highlight in the report is the fiber colour indicators. 

The reflectance grade (which measures the ‘whiteness’ of the cotton) was within the ideal range for 94% of the samples tested and yellowing with 95% in the ideal range.

Bottom line

The Brazilian cotton sector is poised for a strong year in 2023/24. With a larger crop and improved quality, Brazil is well-positioned to meet the growing global demand for cotton.

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