Since 2015, India has been the world's largest producer, catching up with China, which had been in the top position for more than 30 years. China remains the world's largest importer and user. India is the world's second largest consumer and second largest exporter behind the United States, which enjoy a market share of nearly 30%. In the USA, export surpluses are growing, with up to three-quarters of production, because of the decline in the textile industry, which is dominated by Asian countries that account for more than 80% of total world production. 

According to the  ICAC (International Cotton Advisory Committee) 2017 figures, 26 African countries are cotton producers. The West and Central Africa region ("CFA zone") is only the sixth largest producer in the world, but second largest exporter. Its cotton, which is hand-picked and well-appreciated for its quality, is produced by family smallholdings. The African textile industry, however, remains very little developed, amounting to only 1% of world cotton use.