The Great Transformation of Cotton Spinning: Global Consumption of Cotton Products Shrinks, Textile Enterprises Rise with the Strategy of "De Cotton"

The global cotton textile industry is undergoing profound changes, with the core challenge being the sustained decline in demand for cotton products worldwide. This trend is confirmed by key market data and industry dynamics, and has led to significant adjustments in the industrial chain.

1. Global barometer: US cotton imports continue to shrink
As the world's largest importer of textiles (accounting for approximately 35% of global textile and service trade), the import data of the United States has a guiding significance. Data shows that the proportion of cotton products in the total imports of textiles and clothing in the United States has continued to decline in the past decade

Amount decline: from 57% in 2009 to around 41% currently, a contraction of 16 percentage points. Quantity decline: from 42% in 2009 to about 17%, a significant contraction of 25 percentage points.

The significant decline in both the amount and quantity of imported cotton products reflects a shift in consumer preferences in the United States, as well as a decrease in global demand for cotton products.

2. The proportion of Chinese cotton product exports continues to decline Corresponding to the continuous contraction of imported cotton products from the United States, as the world's largest exporter of cotton textiles, China's cotton product exports are showing a continuous downward trend. In 2023, China's export value of cotton textile raw materials and products accounted for 28.4% of the global share, a decrease of more than 10 percentage points compared to ten years ago. Among them, the share of cotton clothing and clothing accessories has declined the most dramatically, with a global share of 29.6% in 2023, a significant decrease of 12 percentage points from ten years ago.

The reason for the decline in China's cotton product exports is twofold: on the one hand, the shrinking global demand for cotton products, and on the other hand, some orders being placed in low-cost countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

3. Transformation of mainland Chinese textile enterprises: the rise of the "de cotton" strategy
Driven by cost, the traditional cotton textile industry cluster in China has gradually shifted to Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, as well as emerging textile industry clusters such as Xinjiang and Sichuan. The profits of pure cotton products in mainland China are constantly being compressed. According to a survey by relevant institutions, about 45% of the surveyed textile enterprises have implemented a "de cotton" strategy, increasing the proportion of blended products to 65%; 28% of enterprises have turned to the field of special yarn.
This de cotton strategy may seem like a survival choice under fierce market competition, but it coincides with the downward trend of global cotton consumption demand. It cannot be denied that this "de cotton" transformation is reshaping the pattern of China's textile industry, promoting the industry's shift from labor-intensive to technological innovation oriented.

4. Core Drivers and Future Prospects: The Long term Trend of Chemical Fiber Substitution Will Not Change
The core driving force behind the shrinking consumption of cotton products lies in the strong rise of various new fibers (synthetic fibers). With comprehensive advantages in cost, functionality (such as quick drying, antibacterial, elasticity), and ease of care, synthetic fibers continue to replace cotton in multiple application areas, posing long-term and significant pressure on cotton consumption.
However, cotton, as the longest and most widely used natural fiber in the industry chain, will not be completely replaced. However, with the continuous introduction of new fibers, the overall consumer demand for cotton products is expected to be squeezed for the long term. The competitive landscape of the cotton textile industry has further intensified, and continuous structural adjustment and innovative transformation will become the key to survival and development.