Cotton (chapter 52): which countries import it
Chapter 52 covers cotton yarn and woven fabrics. The world market is dominated by Asian suppliers: China, Turkey and India account for over half of…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 52 covers cotton yarn and woven fabrics. The world market is dominated by Asian suppliers: China, Turkey and India account for over half of global imports. Exporting from Spain means competing on quality and specialization rather than volume. Understanding tariffs by subheading, compliance requirements and your buyer's origin rules is essential.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 52
- Sector
- Fashion and Textiles
Main importing markets
USD · 2024| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| China | 9,331,856,406 |
| Türkiye | 2,276,653,205 |
| India | 2,184,109,315 |
| Pakistan | 2,075,211,593 |
| Indonesia | 1,396,984,507 |
| Morocco | 1,028,473,980 |
| Egypt | 1,019,344,256 |
| Italy | 911,508,517 |
| Cambodia | 766,002,975 |
| United States | 747,907,426 |
| South Korea | 692,524,150 |
| Mexico | 608,757,767 |
| Germany | 601,416,932 |
| Tunisia | 576,705,030 |
| Sri Lanka | 562,047,499 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Cotton; not carded or combedHeading 5201
- Cotton waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock)Heading 5202
- Cotton, carded or combedHeading 5203
- Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail saleHeading 5204
- Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail saleHeading 5205
- Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail saleHeading 5206
- Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail saleHeading 5207
- Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m2Heading 5208
- Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing more than 200g/m2Heading 5209
- Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m2Heading 5210
- Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m2Heading 5211
- Other woven fabrics of cotton, n.e.c. in chapter 52Heading 5212
Trade fairs in this sector
- LINEAPELLE
- MICAM Milano
- MOMAD, Salón Internacional de Moda, Calzado y Accesorios
- Pitti Immagine Uomo
- Première Vision Paris
- Techtextil
- Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris
What to know before exporting cotton products
Cotton products face tariffs that vary by subheading and by the agreement between Spain and the importing country. Since Spain is part of the EU, your tariff depends on whether your buyer is in a preferential trading partner (like Morocco or Tunisia, which appear in the top 15 importers) or outside. Check the exact duty rate and any quotas in Access2Markets: search by HS code and destination country.
The cotton sector has specific certification and labeling requirements that vary by market. The EU has its own rules for chemical residues and labeling; non-EU buyers may require additional compliance. Before quoting, confirm with your buyer which standards apply: some ask for OEKO-TEX or GOTS certification, others for compliance with their national textile regulations.
Quality and finish matter more than price in the Spanish export profile. You are not competing with China on cost but on fabric specification, dyeing, finishing and design. Document your production process and test results: buyers in developed markets and premium segments will ask for them.
Lead times are long. Cotton yarn and fabric orders are typically made 3–6 months ahead of the selling season. Payment terms are often 30–60 days from shipment. Budget for working capital and ensure your supplier contracts allow you to meet these timelines.
The main importing countries shown are mostly manufacturing hubs, not end-user markets. Turkey, India and Pakistan use imported cotton to produce garments and other finished goods. If you target the end consumer (retailers, brands), you are selling to fewer but larger buyers; if you target manufacturers, you have more potential clients but they have more negotiating power.
Questions about exporting cotton
Which tariff rate applies to my cotton fabric shipment to a buyer outside the EU?
The rate depends on the exact subheading (5208–5212) and on whether the destination country has a trade agreement with the EU. Check Access2Markets with the destination country code and your HS code: it will show the applied rate, any quotas, and rules of origin. If the buyer is in a country with an EU preference agreement (like Morocco), the rate may be lower than the Most Favored Nation rate.
Do I need to certify my cotton as organic or sustainable to export?
It depends on your buyer and market segment. Premium European and North American retailers often require OEKO-TEX or GOTS certification. Asian manufacturers typically do not. Ask your buyer upfront what certifications or compliance documentation they need before you invest in certification. If you do not have them and the buyer asks, it will delay the order.
What documents do I need to export cotton products?
As an EU exporter, you need an invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and a certificate of origin if the buyer is in a country with a preferential agreement and wants to claim the reduced tariff. Some buyers also ask for test reports (fiber content, colorfastness, shrinkage) or compliance statements. Confirm the full list with your buyer before shipping.
How do I know if my buyer is a reliable importer or a price hunter?
Check their order size, payment terms and references. A first order under 500 kg, payment in advance, and no references is a red flag. Use chambers of commerce databases and trade fairs to vet buyers. Start with a small order with secure payment (letter of credit or partial prepayment) and ask for references from other suppliers.
What is the difference between selling to Turkey versus Pakistan versus China?
Turkey and Pakistan are major yarn and fabric processors; they import to re-export finished goods. Buyers there are price-sensitive and buy in large volumes. China is both a processor and a direct consumer market. Selling to processors means competing on cost and consistency; selling to Chinese distributors or retailers means your margin depends on your product's specialty and design. Know your buyer's end use before quoting.
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