True hemp, raw or retted Production by Country 2025
True hemp, raw or retted production thrives across 23 countries with France leading at 122,820 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 126,218 tonnes by 2025. The world produced 314,547 tonnes in 2023, expanding 3.2% year-on-year. China follows with 107,403 tonnes, while United States produces 22,255 tonnes. This agricultural commodity plays vital roles in global food systems and economic development.
China produces 47,000 tonnes (39% of global—traditional fiber production), France 18,000 tonnes (textiles, construction), Chile 8,000 tonnes, and Canada 7,000 tonnes. Hemp (Cannabis sativa with <0.3% THC) provides fiber, seeds, and CBD. Legal industrial crop distinct from marijuana, experiencing renaissance as sustainable alternative to cotton. Hemp cultivation remarkably sustainable—grows fast (3-4 months), requires minimal water/pesticides, improves soil health. Legal cultivation expanding post-legalization (low THC varieties <0.3%). Dense planting (150-200 plants/m²) for fiber vs. spaced planting for seed. Retting process critical—water retting (traditional, 7-14 days soaking) vs. dew retting (field exposure, 2-6 weeks). Mechanical processing (decortication) separates fiber from woody core. Dual-purpose varieties produce both fiber and seed. Organic production common. Climate adaptable—grows from tropics to cool temperate zones. Hemp markets exploding post-legalization—fiber, seed, CBD creating multiple revenue streams. Fiber prices $1-3/kg depending on quality. Textile markets growing as sustainable cotton alternative. Building materials (hempcrete) emerging market—carbon-negative construction. Bioplastics research promising. Climate change favoring hemp—drought-tolerant, adaptable. Consumer trends toward sustainable, natural products driving demand. Regulatory challenges remain—THC limits, processing infrastructure. China dominates production but Western markets developing. Organic hemp premium prices. Processing infrastructure limiting—need for retting facilities, decortication equipment. Global hemp production projected to grow 5-10% annually through 2030 as legalization expands. Textiles, construction materials (hempcrete), food products (seeds, oil), and CBD drive demand. Hemp's sustainability advantages (low water, no pesticides, carbon sequestration) position it as eco-friendly alternative despite historical prohibition challenges.
True hemp, raw or retted Production by Country 2025
1
126,218
2
106,604
3
17,005
4
15,508
5
13,701
6
10,080
7
7,269
8
5,025
9
4,308
10
3,302
11
2,010
12
1,521
13
1,318
14
715
15
555
16
197
17
124
18
16
19
1
20
0.54
🌍 Hemp Renaissance
🌱 Cultivation and Production
📈 Market Trends and Challenges
🔮 Sustainable Future
True hemp, raw or retted Production by Country 2025
#
1
0
78,050
106,260
141,460
121,720
122,820
126,218
2
106,200
100,833
110,578
105,870
105,760
107,403
106,604
3
0
0
0
15,081
9,539
22,255
17,005
4
14,997
15,142
15,404
15,454
15,588
15,482
15,508
5
15,320
14,070
12,790
13,280
14,100
13,630
13,701
6
0
0
0
0
12,600
12,600
10,080
7
1,740
13,960
14,640
15,080
6,360
4,690
7,269
8
6,640
8,920
8,670
10,700
5,200
2,650
5,025
9
4,327
4,353
4,308
4,309
4,308
4,307
4,308
10
4,630
7,710
4,670
4,710
3,950
2,350
3,302
11
1,500
9,800
2,420
1,800
1,350
2,490
2,010
12
2,760
3,160
2,970
2,770
1,290
1,160
1,521
13
1,302
1,331
1,315
1,316
1,320
1,317
1,318
14
708
695
688
716
715
715
715
15
750
290
1,560
1,160
310
460
555
16
370
180
280
60
400
130
197
17
190
480
240
220
150
70
124
18
16
17
16
16
16
16
16
19
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
20
0.59
0.59
0.57
0.55
0.54
0.54
0.54
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most True hemp, raw or retted in the world?
France is the world's largest True hemp, raw or retted producer, accounting for a significant share of global production. Production concentrates in regions with suitable climate and established agricultural infrastructure supporting both domestic consumption and export markets.
What are the main uses of hemp fiber?
Textiles (clothing, canvas—"canvas" from "cannabis"!), rope, paper, building materials (hempcrete), and bioplastics. Retting = soaking to separate fibers from woody core. Hemp fiber stronger than cotton, more durable, naturally antimicrobial. China produces 44,000 tonnes! Legal now in many countries (low THC varieties). Sustainable—grows fast, needs little water/pesticides. Historical use—first Levi's jeans were hemp, US Declaration of Independence on hemp paper!
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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