Fibre crop production refers to the annual agricultural production output of crops primarily cultivated for obtaining natural fibres used in textiles, ropes, paper, and other industrial applications.
Global Fibre Crop Production was 660 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, up 0.8% on 2023. Fibre Crop Production – Global Description (2015–2024)
Global Fibre Crop Production moved from 594.6 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 660 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (+11%), an average of +1.2% a year. The series high was 740.6 Thousand Tonnes in 2020 and the low 446.8 Thousand Tonnes in 2018.
The gap between the series high (2020) and low (2018) is 293.8 Thousand Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was +58.3% in 2020.
Of the 17 countries in this dataset, Brazil, Vietnam and Canada have the highest values in 2024 (102.6, 96.42, 26.87 Thousand Tonnes respectively).
Country ranking
Thousand Tonnes. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Rank↕ | Country↕ | Share of top | Thousand Tonnes↕ | vs 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 102.6 | 0% | |
| 2 | Vietnam | 96.42 | −0.3% | |
| 3 | Canada | 26.87 | −0.5% | |
| 4 | Ethiopia | 21.98 | +0.3% | |
| 5 | Tanzania | 8.03 | −1% | |
| 6 | Madagascar | 6.53 | +4.2% | |
| 7 | New Zealand | 4.05 | −0.7% | |
| 8 | Cambodia | 3.97 | +2.4% | |
| 9 | South Africa | 2.31 | +0.9% | |
| 10 | Chile | 1.91 | +0.1% | |
| 11 | Argentina | 1.60 | +0.3% | |
| 12 | Philippines | 1.57 | −0.4% | |
| 13 | Thailand | 0.770 | +0.2% | |
| 14 | Jamaica | 0.423 | +2.5% | |
| 15 | Taiwan | 0.364 | −1.5% | |
| 16 | Myanmar | 0.153 | −0.1% | |
| 17 | Mauritius | 0.0879 | −0.2% |
By region
Thousand Tonnes, 2024. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Thousand Tonnes.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Thousand Tonnes | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 660 | +0.8% |
| 2023 | 655 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | 639.2 | −4.6% |
| 2021 | 670.3 | −9.5% |
| 2020Peak | 740.6 | +58.3% |
| 2019 | 467.9 | +4.7% |
| 2018 Trough | 446.8 | −32% |
| 2017 | 656.9 | +3.3% |
| 2016 | 636 | +7% |
| 2015 | 594.6 | — |
Data definition
Fibre Crop Production — Fibre crop production refers to the annual agricultural production output of crops primarily cultivated for obtaining natural fibres used in textiles, ropes, paper, and other industrial applications. The indicator measures the quantity of fibre crops produced within a country or region over a specified period, reported in tonnes or metric tons. It includes major fibre-producing crops such as cotton, jute, flax, hemp, sisal, and other plant-based fibres, with production statistics reflecting agricultural cultivation, harvesting, and output levels. The data represents country-level production trends and is compiled from international agricultural databases, including FAO and national agricultural reporting systems where available.
The indicator includes the production volume of agricultural fibre crops grown for commercial, industrial, and domestic fibre extraction purposes. It covers harvested quantities of natural fibre crops such as cotton, jute, flax, hemp, sisal, kenaf, and other similar crops classified under fibre crop production. The data includes production from both large-scale commercial farming and smallholder agricultural systems, capturing annual output changes, cultivation patterns, and regional variations in fibre crop supply.
The indicator excludes synthetic fibres derived from petrochemical or industrial processes, processed textile products, yarns, fabrics, and other manufactured fibre-based goods. It does not include fibre crops grown solely for non-fibre purposes, agricultural residues, waste materials, or secondary fibre recovery from recycled sources. The data also excludes downstream processing activities such as spinning, weaving, textile manufacturing, and trade activities, focusing only on primary agricultural production of fibre crops.
Fibre Crop Production — Fibre crop production refers to the annual agricultural production output of crops primarily cultivated for obtaining natural fibres used in textiles, ropes, paper, and other industrial applications. The indicator measures the quantity of fibre crops produced within a country or region over a specified period, reported in tonnes or metric tons. It includes major fibre-producing crops such as cotton, jute, flax, hemp, sisal, and other plant-based fibres, with production statistics reflecting agricultural cultivation, harvesting, and output levels. The data represents country-level production trends and is compiled from international agricultural databases, including FAO and national agricultural reporting systems where available.
Global fibre crop production recorded notable fluctuations between 2015 and 2024, reflecting the combined influence of changing cultivation patterns, weather conditions, agricultural policies, and market demand for natural fibres. Production increased from **594.6 thousand tonnes in 2015** to **636.0 thousand tonnes in 2016**, followed by a further rise to **656.9 thousand tonnes in 2017**, indicating improved harvesting outcomes and favourable production conditions. However, output declined sharply to **446.8 thousand tonnes in 2018**, representing the lowest level during the observed period, likely due to adverse climatic conditions, reduced harvested area, or lower crop yields in major producing regions.
Production recovered moderately to **467.9 thousand tonnes in 2019** before experiencing a significant surge to **740.6 thousand tonnes in 2020**, the highest level recorded over the decade. This increase may be attributed to expanded cultivation, improved agricultural productivity, and stronger demand for natural fibre crops across domestic and international markets. Following the 2020 peak, production moderated to **670.3 thousand tonnes in 2021** and **639.2 thousand tonnes in 2022**, suggesting a normalization of output after exceptional growth.
During the final two years of the period, global fibre crop production remained relatively stable, reaching **655.0 thousand tonnes in 2023** and **660.0 thousand tonnes in 2024**. This stability reflects the resilience of the global fibre crop sector despite ongoing challenges such as climate variability, input cost pressures, and changing trade dynamics. Overall, the decade highlights both the volatility and adaptability of fibre crop production worldwide. The long-term trend indicates that while annual output is influenced by environmental and economic factors, sustained investments in agricultural practices, improved seed varieties, and efficient resource management continue to support global fibre crop production and strengthen the supply of natural fibres for textile, paper, and industrial applications.
Using this data in a report, paper or presentation? Copy a formatted citation.
Fibre crop production refers to the annual agricultural production output of crops primarily cultivated for obtaining natural fibres used in textiles, ropes, paper, and other industrial applications. The indicator measures the quantity of fibre crops produced within a country or region over a specified period, reported in tonnes or metric tons. It includes major fibre-producing crops such as cotton, jute, flax, hemp, sisal, and other plant-based fibres, with production statistics reflecting agricultural cultivation, harvesting, and output levels. The data represents country-level production trends and is compiled from international agricultural databases, including FAO and national agricultural reporting systems where available.
Global Fibre Crop Production was 660 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, up 0.8% on 2023.
Global Fibre Crop Production moved from 594.6 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 660 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (+11%), an average of +1.2% a year. The series high was 740.6 Thousand Tonnes in 2020 and the low 446.8 Thousand Tonnes in 2018.
The highest value was 740.6 Thousand Tonnes in 2020 and the lowest was 446.8 Thousand Tonnes in 2018.
Included: The indicator includes the production volume of agricultural fibre crops grown for commercial, industrial, and domestic fibre extraction purposes. It covers harvested quantities of natural fibre crops such as cotton, jute, flax, hemp, sisal, kenaf, and other similar crops classified under fibre crop production. The data includes production from both large-scale commercial farming and smallholder agricultural systems, capturing annual output changes, cultivation patterns, and regional variations in fibre crop supply. Excluded: The indicator excludes synthetic fibres derived from petrochemical or industrial processes, processed textile products, yarns, fabrics, and other manufactured fibre-based goods. It does not include fibre crops grown solely for non-fibre purposes, agricultural residues, waste materials, or secondary fibre recovery from recycled sources. The data also excludes downstream processing activities such as spinning, weaving, textile manufacturing, and trade activities, focusing only on primary agricultural production of fibre crops.
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&country=USA~DEU~GBR~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Fibre+crops&Metric=Production&Per+capita=false). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Thousand Tonnes.
Need more data?
Need a longer historical series, a custom country set, additional dimensions, or a tailored dataset? Send us your requirement.