Top Other Fiber Crop Producing Countries

Other fiber crops refer to plants cultivated primarily for their fibers, aside from the major ones like cotton and jute. These include flax (linen), hemp, ramie, sisal, abaca (Manila hemp), and kenaf. Historically, the domestication of fiber crops dates back thousands of years: flax was grown in ancient Egypt for linen as early as 5000 BCE, while hemp was cultivated in China around 2800 BCE for textiles and rope. Today, leading producers vary by crop—China dominates in hemp and ramie, India leads in jute and also grows significant amounts of sisal, while Brazil, Tanzania, and Kenya are top producers of sisal. The Philippines is renowned for abaca production. These crops have adapted to diverse climates and have played crucial roles in textiles, rope-making, and industrial uses throughout history, with modern interest surging due to their sustainability and versatility compared to synthetic fibers.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat