The global cotton industry posted gains in major categories in the 2021/22 season with an increase in area under cotton cultivation, production and consumption as against the previous year 2020/21. However, global cotton trade declined due to disruptions across the supply chain caused by transportation and logistics challenges

As per an ICAC report, global demand for cotton remained high all year, However, exporters faced challenges in getting the fibre from one sector of the supply chain to the next, and ultimately onto store shelves and into consumers' hands. While strong US export numbers are an encouraging sign, the backlogs have not been cleared yet through the intricate shipping and transport system and could take many months to fully normalize.

After declining by 22 per cent, area under cotton cultivation in West African countries increased by 44 per cent in 2021/22. This increase was driven by the recovery of area in Mali.

The Secretariat forecasts, current season-average A index for 2021/22 ranges from 109 cents to 129 cents, with a midpoint at 115 cents per pound.