Raw Cotton: Sourcing, Types, and Buyer's Guide for 2025


Raw cotton is the foundation of the global textile industry, valued for its versatility and natural properties. Whether you're a manufacturer or a wholesaler, understanding how to source high-quality raw cotton efficiently can make all the difference. This guide covers practical insights for 2025, from supplier selection to material applications.


How to Find Reliable Raw Cotton from China in 2025


China remains a top exporter of raw cotton, but verifying suppliers is critical. Follow these steps:

  • Check certifications: Look for ISO 9001 or BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) compliance.
  • Request samples: Evaluate fiber length (28mm+ for premium quality) and moisture content (below 8%).
  • Use Alibaba Trade Assurance: Protects orders from quality disputes. In 2024, 78% of surveyed buyers prioritized this feature.

What Buyers Should Know Before Buying Raw Cotton from China


Key considerations:

  • Shipping costs: 20ft container holds ~18 metric tons; factor in 2025 tariff changes.
  • Seasonal availability: Peak harvest months (Sept-Nov) offer fresher stock.
  • Payment terms: 30% deposit with 70% balance before shipment is industry standard.

Types of Raw Cotton


Major varieties include:

  • Upland Cotton (90% global supply): Short-staple, cost-effective for mass production.
  • Pima Cotton: Extra-long fibers (35mm+) for luxury textiles.
  • Organic Cotton: GOTS-certified, pesticide-free (growing at 12% CAGR).

Functions and Features of Raw Cotton


Why industries prefer it:

  • Breathability: 8x more air permeable than polyester.
  • Moisture absorption: Can hold 24-27x its weight in water.
  • Biodegradable: Decomposes in 1-5 months vs. synthetic fibers (100+ years).

Scenarios of Raw Cotton


Primary applications:

  • Medical textiles: Hypoallergenic gauze and bandages.
  • Denim production: 1kg of cotton makes 1 pair of jeans.
  • Home furnishings: Accounts for 37% of global cotton use (ITC 2023 data).

How to Choose Raw Cotton


Selection criteria:

  1. Color: Creamy white indicates proper ginning; yellowing suggests age.
  2. Trash content: Premium grades have <3% leaf/stem particles.
  3. Micronaire value: 3.5-4.9 indicates ideal maturity for spinning.

Raw Cotton Q & A


Q: What's the price range per ton in 2025?
A: $1,800-$2,400/ton for Upland; $3,000+ for Pima (varies with ICE Futures).


Q: How to test cotton quality remotely?
A: Request HVI (High Volume Instrument) reports showing fiber strength (28g/tex+) and uniformity (82%+).


Q: Minimum order quantity from China?
A: Typically 17-20 tons (one container load) for competitive pricing.


Q: Difference between raw and ginned cotton?
A: Raw includes seeds (30% weight); ginned is ready for spinning.


Q: Lead time from order to shipment?
A: 15-30 days for processed bales; longer for organic/GOTS orders.