Europe Cotton Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2024 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 8.08 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 10.27 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 4.91 % |
Europe Cotton Market Analysis
The Europe Cotton Market size is estimated at USD 8.08 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 10.27 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.91% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Europe stands as one of the pivotal players in the cotton sector, ranking among the world's top 10 exporters. Within Europe, Greece emerges as the foremost producer and exporter of cotton. Key cotton-producing regions in Greece include Thessaly, Macedonia, Thrace, and the Mainland. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Greece's cotton production rose from 295,000 metric tons in 2021 to 322,000 metric tons in 2022.
European cotton offers a prime opportunity for the European textile industry and retail sector to forge traceable and transparent regional supply chains. Greece accounts for approximately 80% of EUCOTTON production, while Spain contributes the remaining 20%. Renowned for its high quality, this fiber is in high demand among textile manufacturing nations. EUCOTTON is distinguished as a recyclable raw material, boasting emissions that are significantly lower than its counterparts. The production of European cotton emits three times fewer greenhouse gases than synthetic fibers, such as polyester. Additionally, as the earliest crop in the northern hemisphere, European cotton enables the textile industry to produce timely, efficient responses to consumer demands, further propelling market growth.
Additionally, the European countries offer crop-specific payments for cotton, capping the eligible area for each country. Farmers qualify for these payments only if they cultivate cotton on EU-sanctioned land, utilize approved seed varieties, and meet the minimum quality standards for the harvested cotton. These payments aim to safeguard against potential disruptions in cotton-producing regions. For instance, each year, a maximum of 302,000 hectares receive coupled support, with Greece accounting for 250,000 hectares and Spain for 48,000 hectares.
Furthermore, Europe has adopted a completely open approach to its cotton market, eliminating both import duties and export subsidies. This strategy not only promotes free trade but also ensures that European cotton producers face equal competition with their international counterparts. In addition, the government has rolled out restructuring initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic viability of the cotton sector. These initiatives encompass dismantling outdated ginning facilities, channeling investments into the ginning industry, and actively engaging in cotton quality enhancement schemes. Through these initiatives, the government seeks to strike a balance between fostering a competitive cotton sector and upholding the principles of sustainability and quality, thereby propelling the market forward.
Europe Cotton Market Trends
Increased Demand for Cotton in Textile Industry
European cotton is a traditional product produced according to the highest quality standards. It is a strategic product within and beyond European borders, which also generates quality employment and benefits the textile and related industries. Valued for its practicality, versatility, durability, softness, breathability, and biodegradability, cotton's ease of dyeing and blending with other fibers has made it a staple in the European apparel sector. Greece, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain, France, and Romania stand out as Europe's dominant cotton markets. With nearly all major global apparel brands hailing from Europe, the continent boasts luxury powerhouses like Gucci, Prada, Versace, Armani, Chanel, and Christian Dior, predominantly rooted in Italy and France. Greece emerges as Europe's leading cotton producer and a significant exporter.
EUCOTTON boasts superior quality, ensuring high spinnability, exceptional uniformity, and versatile fibers. This virtually contamination-free crop is machine-picked and supported by efficient logistics. Brands and retailers benefit from EUCOTTON by providing customers with the assurance that their products contain certified, high-quality cotton, sustainably grown with strong environmental and social values. This assurance significantly amplifies the demand for European cotton in the textile industry.
Moreover, in 2019, the European Cotton Alliance (ECA) was established in Greece and Spain. The aim is to create a European trademark for cotton, aimed at identifying and promoting European cotton. This initiative seeks to empower European cotton producers and textile industries with the trademark, potentially enhancing the recognition, protection, and promotion of European cotton. Additionally, in 2022, European Better Cotton has introduced the Delta Framework, a unified set of indicators encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions to gauge sustainability in the cotton sector. The development of the Delta Framework received backing from the ISEAL Innovations Fund, with support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
During the 36th International Cotton Conference held in Germany in 2022, the high-quality cotton production within Europe in the network and the downstream, highly specialized textile and clothing industry, under the headline 'Region in Focus,' was highlighted in that session. The popularity of brands among people in the world and the increased demand for cotton from the textile industry are likely to drive the cotton market in Europe.
Greece Hold the Significant Position in Cotton Export
Greece is the foremost cotton-producing nation in Europe and a significant cotton exporter. Cotton is harvested using machines in Greece and is known for its superior quality in terms of length, strength, and micronaire (a measurement of fiber fineness). Cotton planting in Greece takes place between March and April, with a typical crop life cycle lasting 170-210 days. Harvesting usually occurs from October to November. As per the ITC Trade Map, Greece was the major cotton exporter in Europe in 2022, with 268,300 metric tons valued at USD 662,616 thousand. Turkey accounted for 50.1 percent of Greece's total exports in 2022, followed by Egypt (15.3 percent), Indonesia (6.2 percent), and Bangladesh (5.2 percent) in terms of value.
Greek cotton is renowned for its lengthy and robust fibers that enhance the strength and softness of the end textile goods. The stable attributes include a fiber length of 1.1/8 inches and a minimum strength of 28 grams per tex. These reliable features make it a preferred option for producers, and it is in high demand in the international market.
In 2020, Greece adopted the AGRO-2 Integrated Management Standards, aligning them with the Better Cotton Standard. This alignment guarantees that Greek cotton is produced with eco-friendly methods, emphasizing responsible water management and the use of non-GMO seeds. Additionally, under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Greek cotton farmers benefit from diverse support mechanisms. These include decoupled income support and targeted crop payments, both of which play a crucial role in stabilizing farmers’ incomes and bolstering the sustainability of cotton production. Such strategic policies not only fortify Greece’s stature as a leading cotton exporter but also ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of its cotton industry.
Europe Cotton Market News
- September 2024: Haelixa has partnered with OVS, an Italian fashion brand, to utilize DNA markers for tracing cotton sourced from Italy, thereby guaranteeing sustainability and traceability in the supply chain.
- July 2024: TURNS GmbH, a leading company in the circular textile sector in Germany, has partnered with Tailorlux GmbH to establish a new standard by introducing an innovative collaboration focused on improving traceability and transparency for recycled cotton items. This partnership demonstrates their dedication to sustainability by utilizing European post-consumer textile waste and tangible traceability methods to produce completely circular products.
- September 2023: Better Cotton collaborated with important stakeholders in Spain to manufacture cotton that is equivalent to Better Cotton in the country. This collaboration enables cotton grown on IPS-licensed farms to be promoted as 'Better Cotton'.
Europe Cotton Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.2.1 Expansion in Textile Industry
4.2.2 Economic and Industrial Development
4.2.3 Biotechnological Innovation in Cotton Farming
4.3 Market Restraints
4.3.1 Rising Infestation of Insects and Diseases
4.3.2 Popularity of Cotton Substitutes
4.4 Value Chain Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 Geography (Production Analysis by Volume, Consumption Analysis by Value and Volume, Import Analysis by Value and Volume, Export Analysis by Value and Volume and Price Trend Analysis)
5.1.1 Spain
5.1.2 Greece
5.1.3 Germany
5.1.4 Bulgaria
5.1.5 Albania
5.1.6 Rest of Europe
6. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Europe Cotton Industry Segmentation
Cotton is an arable crop used mainly for fiber. Cottonseed remains after cotton are used to make oil for human use and oilseed cake for animal feed. Only cotton lint is considered in the report excluding the cottonseed. The European Cotton Market is segmented by Geography (Germany, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, and the Rest of Europe). The study includes Production Analysis (Volume), Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume), Export Analysis (Value and Volume), Import Analysis (Value and Volume), and Price Trend Analysis. The report offers market estimation and forecasts in Value (USD) and Volume (Metric Tons) for the abovementioned segments.
| Geography (Production Analysis by Volume, Consumption Analysis by Value and Volume, Import Analysis by Value and Volume, Export Analysis by Value and Volume and Price Trend Analysis) | |
| Spain | |
| Greece | |
| Germany | |
| Bulgaria | |
| Albania | |
| Rest of Europe |
Europe Cotton Market Research FAQs
How big is the Europe Cotton Market?
The Europe Cotton Market size is expected to reach USD 8.08 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.91% to reach USD 10.27 billion by 2029.
What is the current Europe Cotton Market size?
In 2024, the Europe Cotton Market size is expected to reach USD 8.08 billion.
What years does this Europe Cotton Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Europe Cotton Market size was estimated at USD 7.68 billion. The report covers the Europe Cotton Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Europe Cotton Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Cotton in Europe Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Cotton in Europe market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Cotton in Europe analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
