World cotton production next year is expected to be five per cent above last year.World cotton mill use is forecast to resume its growth after a 1.3 per cent decline last year. Global cotton consumption is projected at 2.6 per cent above last year. Mill use is projected to increase in each of the leading raw cotton spinners, with China accounting for nearly one-third of the world total. Cotton production projections for the major-producing countries are mixed, with the increases more than offsetting the decreases. World cotton harvested area is forecast at 3.5 per cent above this year.

Global cotton production continues to be concentrated in a few countries. The top five cotton-producing countries are forecast to account for more than 78 per cent of total production. India is forecast to be the leading producer, contributing to 23 per cent of global production. India is projected to produce 29 million bales of cotton, nine per cent above last year. Area under cultivation is forecast to be unchanged.

China and the United States are projected to account for 22 per cent and 17 per cent respectively. Brazil is expected to contribute ten per cent and Pakistan six per cent. Pakistan’s crop is driven by higher area and a nearly unchanged yield.