The United States stands as one of the largest and most reliable cotton exporters in the world, supplying high-quality fiber to markets across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. For Bangladeshi textile manufacturers and spinning mills, sourcing cotton from the U.S. means gaining access to consistent quality, transparent pricing, and a well-regulated supply chain.
Export Volume and Global Position
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. exports between 13 to 16 million bales of cotton annually, accounting for 35–40% of the global cotton export market. Major destinations include Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Turkey.
For Bangladesh—the second-largest exporter of readymade garments in the world—U.S. cotton plays a vital role in securing quality input for yarn production and fabric processing. In 2023 alone, Bangladesh imported over 2 million bales of cotton from the U.S., reflecting strong bilateral trade ties.
Types of Cotton Exported
The U.S. grows and exports several types of cotton, primarily:
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Upland Cotton (Medium Staple):
Representing around 95% of U.S. production, upland cotton is widely used in mass textile production due to its versatility and affordability. -
Pima Cotton (Extra Long Staple):
Known for its luxurious softness and strength, Pima cotton (grown mostly in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) is ideal for high-end apparel and specialty yarns.
These varieties are meticulously classified by USDA-certified classing offices based on fiber length, strength, uniformity, and color—ensuring full transparency and trust in each bale.
Quality and Standardization
The U.S. cotton industry adheres to world-class quality benchmarks:
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HVI (High Volume Instrument) Testing:
Every bale is tested using USDA-approved HVI technology for objective quality reporting on micronaire, strength, and trash content. -
Bale Traceability:
Cotton bales are tracked from farm to export using RFID and barcode systems, offering complete supply chain visibility. -
Sustainability and Compliance:
U.S. cotton producers follow environmentally responsible farming practices and labor laws, making the fiber traceable and ethically sourced—a growing requirement for international brands and buyers.
Pricing Transparency via ICE Futures
One of the key advantages of buying U.S. cotton is transparent pricing through the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Futures U.S., which provides standardized contracts and market-based price discovery. This helps Bangladeshi importers mitigate volatility and plan procurement based on global benchmarks.
Why BD Buyers Alliance LLC Supports U.S. Cotton Imports
At BD Buyers Alliance LLC, we help our member importers in Bangladesh secure competitive deals directly with vetted U.S. cotton exporters. Our services include:
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Volume consolidation for better pricing
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Pre-shipment inspection and logistics coordination
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Legal and dispute resolution support
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Transparent contract terms with U.S. suppliers
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Market intelligence on ICE pricing and supply trends
U.S. cotton is not just a commodity—it’s a commitment to quality, consistency, and trust. Through our partnerships, we aim to make world-class fiber accessible to Bangladesh’s dynamic textile industry.
For inquiries or to join our buyer alliance, please Contact Us or register as a member.