Top Kenaf Producing Countries

Kenaf (*Hibiscus cannabinus*) is a fast-growing annual plant cultivated primarily for its strong fiber, with major production centered in countries such as India, Bangladesh, China, and Thailand. Historically, kenaf has been grown for thousands of years, with its origins traced to Africa, where it was used for food and fiber. By the 19th and 20th centuries, kenaf farming spread to Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh, where it became an important crop for making ropes, sacks, and twine, often as an alternative to jute. In recent decades, China and Thailand have expanded kenaf cultivation, leveraging its environmental benefits and versatility in producing paper, textiles, and bio-composites. Today, these countries lead global production, while research and interest in kenaf continue to grow worldwide due to its renewable nature and potential in sustainable industries.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1India101,828
2Russia49,763
3China25,729
4Cuba11,821
5Chile9,525
6Congo7,696
7Malaysia3,815
8Mozambique3,741
9Indonesia3,333
10Brazil2,928
11Thailand2,096
12Nigeria1,509
13Mali1,436
14El Salvador1,005

Data from United Nations FAO Stat