Greece leads EU cotton production with 80% share, but remains minor global player
Greece has emerged as the undisputed leader in European Union cotton production, accounting for approximately 80 percent of total EU output. However, despite its dominance within Europe, the country remains a relatively small player in the global cotton market, with limited influence over international pricing.
The findings were highlighted in a market study on Italy’s cotton sector conducted by the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Embassy of Greece in Rome.
EU Leader, Global Peripheral Producer
According to the study, Greece and Spain are effectively the only significant cotton-producing countries within the EU, while Italy and Portugal have ceased production. Yet when placed in a global context, even Greece’s leading position in Europe translates into modest weight internationally.
Based on the latest 2025 data:
- China: 25.6% of global production — approximately 30 million bales (480 lb)
- India: 20.1% — 23.5 million bales
- Brazil: 15.6% — 18.25 million bales
- United States: 12% — 14 million bales
- Other producers — including Pakistan, Australia, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Argentina, and Mali — each account for less than 5 percent of global output.
Data from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service confirm that the European Union as a whole represents only about 1 percent of global cotton production.
With total EU production estimated at approximately 1.24 million bales for the 2024/2025 season — and Greece contributing 80 percent — Greek annual output stands at roughly 1 million bales.
Quality Over Quantity
Analysts emphasize that Greece’s importance lies primarily within Europe rather than in global commodity markets. The country does not function as a price-maker in international trade but rather as a regional supplier.
Nevertheless, Greek cotton is widely regarded as high quality, valued for fiber stability and uniformity. This reputation gives it strategic importance for European textile industries, which rely on consistent raw material standards.
Europe’s Role in Processing and Fashion
While the EU accounts for just 1 percent of global raw cotton production, Europe’s strength lies further down the value chain — in processing, textile manufacturing, and fashion.
The report underscores that Europe’s competitive edge is not in large-scale cultivation but in transformation, branding, and high-value design sectors.
As global cotton markets remain dominated by major agricultural powers, Greece’s leadership within the EU highlights a regional specialization rather than global market leverage.
