Cotton in Data: What DataLiner’s Numbers Reveal About the Global Commodity Market
December 1, 2025 | Posted by Datamar
Brazil’s reputation as the “breadbasket of the world” is well established, but the country’s role as an agricultural powerhouse extends far beyond food. In recent years, a combination of large-scale investment in sustainable production, gains in productivity and steady improvements in logistics have propelled Brazil into becoming the world’s top cotton exporter, overtaking the United States and reshaping long-standing trade patterns.
This shift is clearly reflected in trade data. Datamar figures show that Brazil exported 30,939 TEUs of cotton in November alone, the highest monthly volume recorded, underscoring the speed and scale of this transformation. Data available through the DataLiner platform indicate that major players in the global apparel industry are actively redirecting sourcing strategies toward Brazilian cotton. Imports by key markets such as India surged by 130% compared with 2024, illustrating how rapidly global demand is adjusting to Brazil’s growing prominence. These figures do more than quantify trade flows; they reveal structural changes in the cotton market that only detailed, timely data can capture.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), five countries concentrate around 70% of global cotton production: China, India, the United States, Brazil, and Pakistan. In Brazil’s case, according to ABRAPA (Brazilian Cotton Growers Association), the 2025/26 crop is expected to reach 4.08 million tons, corresponding to 16% of global production and keeping the country in the third position in the global ranking.
In foreign trade, Datamar data reveal important market trends. The DataLiner platform shows that Brazilian exports totaled 175.265 TEU between January and October 2025, a 0.50% decrease compared to the same period of the previous year. The tool allows users to observe historical performance, route changes, terminals used and shifts in destination profiles.
Below, the chart shows a historical overview of cotton exports via containers over the last five years. The chart was created using DataLiner data:
Brazilian Cotton Exports | Jan 2022 to Oct 2025 | TEU
Monthly Volumes
Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)
The Port of Santos remains dominant as the main outlet for cotton, accounting for almost 91% of shipments in 2025 year-to-date. Next are Salvador, with 5.2%, and Itapoá, with 2.16%. With Datamar’s market data, it is possible to drill down into details and verify the volume handled by each port terminal.
Main Ports Exporting Brazilian Cotton | Jan 2022 to Oct 2025 | TEU
PORT | YTD VALUE | Diff | % Growth | % Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SANTOS | 159005 | 164141 | -3.1% | 90.72% |
SALVADOR | 9264 | 6284 | 47.4% | 5.29% |
ITAPOA | 3802 | 862 | 341.1% | 2.17% |
PARANAGUA | 1311 | 1339 | -2.1% | 0.75% |
ITAGUAI | 818 | 168 | 386.9% | 0.47% |
PECEM | 542 | 404 | 34.3% | 0.31% |
RIO DE JANEIRO | 143 | 10 | 1330.0% | 0.08% |
SUAPE | 137 | 208 | -34.1% | 0.08% |
FORTALEZA | 116 | 121 | -4.1% | 0.07% |
MANAUS | 90 | 0.05% | ||
RIO GRANDE | 20 | 8 | 153.8% | 0.01% |
Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)
The main exported volumes continue to come from states such as Mato Grosso, Bahia, and Mato Grosso do Sul — consolidated production hubs.
Regarding cargo destinations, DataLiner figures show significant changes in 2025. Pakistan has taken the lead in receiving Brazilian cotton, with 30,973 TEU, a 85.9% surge compared to the previous year. Bangladesh, in second place, recorded a 35.3% increase, followed by Vietnam (-17.5%), Turkey (+52.1%), China (-65.1%) and India (+171.1%).
Below is the table with the main destinations of Brazilian cotton exports, compiled with DataLiner data (Link to the DataLiner page on the website):
Main Destinations for Brazilian Cotton | Jan – Oct 2025 | TEU
COUNTRY | YTD Current Year | YTD Last Year | % | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PAKISTAN | 30973 | 16658 | 85.9% | 52535 |
BANGLADESH | 27123 | 20046 | 35.3% | 59595 |
VIETNAM | 26459 | 32059 | -17.5% | 69030 |
TURKEY | 24516 | 16123 | 52.1% | 49314 |
CHINA | 20462 | 58661 | -65.1% | 114456 |
INDIA | 15428 | 5691 | 171.1% | 22154 |
INDONESIA | 10097 | 9277 | 8.8% | 24464 |
EGYPT | 5821 | 1904 | 205.7% | 7995 |
MALAYSIA | 5108 | 6049 | -15.6% | 14551 |
SOUTH KOREA | 3152 | 2625 | 20.1% | 6957 |
Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)
Brazil’s export performance has been supported by competitive production costs, fiber quality and favorable exchange rates. In addition to volume and frequency, DataLiner offers strategic insights such as exporter rankings, carrier participation and seasonal patterns, making it an essential tool for anticipating logistical bottlenecks, identifying price trends and spotting new markets.
In a global scenario marked by geopolitical volatility and shifts in consumption, the market intelligence provided by Datamar stands out as a competitive advantage. With historical series and continuous monitoring of ships and cargo, DataLiner enhances the understanding of Brazil’s strategic role in the international cotton supply chain and across other commodities.