Jute, raw or retted Production by Country 2025
Jute—the "golden fiber" that once dominated global trade—thrives in just 18 countries with Bangladesh leading at 1,881,441 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 1,827,889 tonnes by 2025. with total production of 3,693,758 tonnes in 2023 (falling 2.5% year-over-year), India follows with 1,618,020 tonnes, while Cambodia produces 142,500 tonnes. This biodegradable fiber from plant stems creates burlap sacks, rope, carpet backing, and eco-friendly packaging. From colonial-era commodity to modern sustainable material, jute represents agriculture's original "green" fiber. Those rough burlap coffee sacks? That's jute! This monsoon-loving crop remains concentrated in South Asia's river deltas where climate and tradition converge.
Bangladesh's 1.9 million tonnes represents about 51% of global jute production, with cultivation concentrated in Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. Production grew from 1.6 million in 2018, reflecting government support and export demand. Jute is Bangladesh's second-largest export after garments—the country calls itself "land of golden fiber." Cultivation supports millions of smallholder farmers during monsoon season. Challenges include synthetic fiber competition, labor-intensive processing, and climate variability. Modern Bangladesh invests in jute diversification—jute textiles, geotextiles, and composite materials. The industry combines traditional retting (soaking stems to separate fiber) with modern processing mills. Jute's cultural significance runs deep—it's woven into national identity and economic history. India produces 1.6 million tonnes with some volatility, cultivating jute primarily in West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam. Indian jute serves domestic mills and exports. The country's jute industry is massive—thousands of mills processing fiber into products. Cambodia contributes 142,500 tonnes, emerging as third-largest producer. Nepal (10,205 tonnes), Uzbekistan (19,126 tonnes), and China (12,200 tonnes declining) maintain smaller production. These countries grow jute during monsoon season, with cultivation fitting into rice-based farming systems. The region's warm, humid climate and abundant water suit jute perfectly. However, synthetic fiber competition and labor costs challenge the industry. Processing requires water retting (soaking in ponds/rivers for 2-3 weeks), which can cause water pollution. Jute fiber is 100% biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable—the ultimate eco-fiber! It's strong, durable, and breathable. The fiber comes from jute plant stems (Corchorus species), processed through retting, stripping, and spinning. Traditional uses include burlap sacks (coffee, grain, potatoes), rope, twine, and carpet backing. Modern applications explore jute composites (mixed with plastics for automotive parts), geotextiles (erosion control), and fashion textiles. Jute's rough texture limits clothing use, though blending with cotton creates softer fabrics. The fiber absorbs moisture, making it ideal for packaging agricultural products. Environmental benefits are impressive—jute plants absorb CO2, improve soil, and require minimal pesticides. Fun fact: jute is the second most-produced natural fiber after cotton! Jute thrives in warm, humid climates with temperatures 25-35°C and heavy monsoon rainfall (1,500-2,500mm). Growing season is 120-150 days, planted at monsoon start. Plants grow 2-4 meters tall with yellow flowers. Harvest occurs when plants flower—stems are cut, bundled, and retted (soaked in water 2-3 weeks) to separate fiber from woody core. Major challenges include stem rot, root rot, and insect pests. Climate change brings irregular monsoons affecting yields. The crop requires minimal inputs—no irrigation (monsoon-fed) and few pesticides. However, retting causes water pollution and labor shortages challenge harvesting. Modern research explores mechanical retting and improved varieties with higher fiber content. Jute fits well in crop rotations, improving soil structure. Global jute markets face existential challenge from synthetic fibers (polypropylene) that replaced jute in many applications. Prices range $400-800/tonne for raw fiber, with processed products commanding higher values. The environmental movement drives jute revival—consumers seek biodegradable alternatives to plastics. Jute bags replace plastic shopping bags, jute packaging substitutes for synthetic materials. However, synthetic fibers remain cheaper and more consistent. Climate change affects monsoon patterns, impacting yields. Labor-intensive processing increases costs. The industry invests in diversification—jute textiles, composites, and value-added products. Export markets grow for eco-conscious consumers in developed countries. Government support (especially Bangladesh, India) sustains the industry through subsidies and research. Global jute production should stabilize around 3.7 million tonnes through 2025, with modest growth from environmental trends. The plastic ban movement positions jute perfectly—it's the original eco-bag! Climate-adapted varieties help cope with irregular monsoons. The industry invests in mechanical processing, improved retting technology, and product diversification. Value-added products—jute textiles, geotextiles, and biocomposites—create opportunities. Sustainability credentials (biodegradable, carbon-sequestering, low-input) align with circular economy trends. However, jute must overcome cost disadvantages versus synthetics and improve processing efficiency. This ancient fiber's environmental benefits ensure its niche future, though it won't reclaim its colonial-era dominance. From burlap to biocomposites, jute proves that sometimes, old fibers learn new tricks!🏆 Bangladesh's Golden Fiber Heritage
Jute, raw or retted Production by Country 2025
1
1,827,889
2
1,658,466
3
143,212
4
19,130
5
13,620
6
10,258
7
3,821
8
2,756
9
2,285
10
343
11
267
12
255
13
239
14
179
15
102
16
32
17
14
18
8
🌏 South Asian Jute Belt
💪 Biodegradable Wonder Fiber
🌱 Monsoon Crop Cultivation
📈 Synthetic Competition and Eco-Revival
🔮 Green Fiber Renaissance
Jute, raw or retted Production by Country 2025
#
1
1,613,762
1,600,474
1,751,635
1,681,939
1,835,937
1,881,441
1,827,889
2
1,726,380
1,709,460
1,700,820
1,611,540
1,757,160
1,618,020
1,658,466
3
165,000
139,000
138,509
147,410
141,600
142,500
143,212
4
18,922
19,253
19,122
19,099
19,158
19,126
19,130
5
28,600
29,200
19,300
15,700
14,600
12,200
13,620
6
11,159
10,578
10,165
10,451
10,217
10,205
10,258
7
3,500
3,508
3,536
3,798
3,863
3,805
3,821
8
2,678
2,710
2,744
2,746
2,769
2,753
2,756
9
2,274
2,272
2,282
2,280
2,284
2,287
2,285
10
344
343
343
343
343
343
343
11
270
267
266
267
267
266
267
12
247
246
250
254
255
255
255
13
532
535
331
297
242
215
239
14
191
176
164
179
181
177
179
15
100
101
101
101
102
102
102
16
31
9
1,185
26
21
40
32
17
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
18
11
12
10
7
7
9
8
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most jute, raw or retted in the world?
Bangladesh is the world's largest jute producer with 1,881,441 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 1,827,889 tonnes by 2025, accounting for approximately 51% of global production. India ranks second with 1,618,020 tonnes, while Cambodia ranks third at 142,500 tonnes as an emerging producer. Bangladesh's production concentrates in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, with cultivation supporting millions of smallholder farmers during monsoon season. Jute is Bangladesh's second-largest export after garments—the country proudly calls itself the "land of golden fiber." The industry combines traditional retting methods with modern processing mills.
Why did jute decline and is it making a comeback?
Jute dominated global packaging in the 1800s-1900s (the "golden age"), but synthetic fibers (especially polypropylene) devastated the industry from the 1960s onward. Synthetics were cheaper, more consistent, and didn't require labor-intensive processing. Jute lost 70%+ of its market share. However, jute is experiencing eco-revival! The plastic ban movement, environmental consciousness, and circular economy trends favor biodegradable jute. It's 100% compostable, recyclable, and carbon-sequestering. Modern applications include eco-bags, geotextiles (erosion control), automotive composites, and fashion textiles. Governments (Bangladesh, India) support the industry through subsidies and research. While jute won't reclaim its colonial dominance, it's carving a sustainable niche. The fiber that once moved global trade is now moving toward green future—proving that environmental benefits can revive "obsolete" materials!
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 13.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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