Global cotton production in 2017-18 is expected to be 14 per cent above last season and the largest production in five years. World harvested area in 2017-18 is estimated at 12 per cent above 2016-17 as returns from cotton are more favorable and have encouraged cotton plantings over alternative crops.

Major cotton producers are projected to harvest a larger crop in 2017-18, with increases for China and the US leading the gain. In 2017-18, the top three producing countries – India, China, and the US – are projected to account for 63 per cent of the global cotton crop, similar to the previous season. India’s production is forecast at six per cent above last season.

World cotton consumption in 2017-18 is projected at five per cent above 2016-17. Although cotton mill use has been rising relatively steadily for the past six seasons, an expanding global economy and the slowdown in polyester production contributed to this year’s above-average growth. Despite the highest cotton consumption in a decade, 2017-18 world production is expected to exceed consumption for the first time in three years.

World cotton trade is projected at four per cent above the previous season and the largest in four years. Higher trade is primarily driven by increased import demand from countries that process raw cotton into textile and apparel products. In 2017-18, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China are forecast as the leading cotton importers.