Cotton is one of the world’s most widely traded commodities, connecting producing countries with textile manufacturers and consumers across the globe. Without cotton, many countries would lose a crucial source of export earnings and a valuable connection to international markets. The impact would extend far beyond the raw fiber. Ginning, spinning, textiles, logistics, and other industries create additional value from cotton trade. For developing countries seeking to expand manufacturing and move up the textile value chain, cotton can be the bridge between agriculture and industrialization. A world without cotton would make the pathway to investment, exports, and economic growth much narrower.
