Top Kapok Fiber Producing Countries

Kapok fiber, a silky cotton-like material harvested from the seed pods of the kapok tree (*Ceiba pentandra*), has historically been produced in tropical regions, with Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines standing out as the top producers today. The use of kapok fiber dates back centuries in Southeast Asia, where indigenous communities utilized its buoyant and water-resistant properties for stuffing pillows, mattresses, and life jackets. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, global demand for kapok surged as it became a popular filling material in Europe and North America, especially before the widespread adoption of synthetic fibers. Colonial expansion in Southeast Asia facilitated the establishment of large kapok plantations, particularly in Indonesia, which remains the world’s leading exporter. While synthetic alternatives have diminished its global market share, kapok fiber continues to be valued for its natural, eco-friendly qualities, with production still concentrated in its historical heartlands of Southeast Asia.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat