Higher production and vigorous trade are expected in the 2021/22 season but while world cotton production is estimated at 25.7m tonnes, the figure remains below what it was before the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the latest update from the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

Australia, Brazil and the USA all expect production to increase, which should offset the declines expected in the world’s top two producers, China and India.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Global consumption, meanwhile, is estimated at 25.9m tonnes, and with ending stocks for 2020/21 having been revised downward to 20m tonnes, world cotton supply is estimated to be 45.8m tonnes for the 2021/22 season.

The industry saw some of the highest levels of trade ever in 2020/21, ICAC adds, noting the estimate of 10.29m tonnes for the coming season shows that industry sentiment remains positive — especially given the robust levels of retail sales of textiles seen in many developed countries.

The Secretariat’s current price forecast of the season-average A index for 2021/22 ranges from 82 cents to 127 cents, with a midpoint at 101.60 cents per pound.

Formed in 1939, the ICAC is an association of cotton producing, consuming and trading countries. It acts as a catalyst for change by helping member countries maintain a healthy world cotton economy; provides transparency to the world cotton market by serving as a clearinghouse for technical information on cotton production; and serves as a forum for discussing cotton issues of international significance.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The ICAC recently announced it has partnered with the International Trade Centre and is working to double the yields of at least 50,000 smallholder cotton farmers in Zambia by January 2024.