Slight Reduction in Projected World Cotton Production
October 5, 2009 World cotton production is projected at 106 million bales in 2009/10, 1 percent lower than in 2008/09, the International Cotton Advisory Committee says in its October 1 report.
A small drop in cotton area is expected to be partially offset by a small increase in the average yield.
Production is expected to increase in India, the United States, Pakistan and Australia, and to decrease in China and Brazil. Cotton plantings in the southern hemisphere will start in large scale in October. Cotton area in this part of the world is expected to remain stable in 2009/10.
Cotton mill use is expected to recover by 2 percent in 2009/10, to 108 million bales, based on a small recovery in world economic growth. Cotton mill use is forecast to start recovering in the top 3 consuming countries – China, India and Pakistan – after declines last season. Mill use is also forecast to increase in smaller Asian countries, including Bangladesh and Vietnam, where cotton mill use kept increasing in 2008/09 despite the crisis. However, further declines in cotton mill use are projected in a number of countries in Europe, the Americas and East Asia.
Chinese imports are forecast up by 8 percent to 7.32 million bales in 2009/10.
U.S. exports are projected down by 20 percent to 10.53 million bales due to increased competition from other countries. Exports from India could rebound to 6.41 million bales.
GET THE NEWSLETTER TODAY!
