With the country importing up to 10 million to 15 million bales (2 million to 3 million tonnes) each year by 2019/20, China is set to return as a major cotton importer.

The country’imports are expected to be around 5 million bales in 2017/18.

Cotton imports of China had seen its imports shrink from more than 5 million tonnes in 2011/12 to around 1 million tonnes last year, due to its efforts to reduce state stockpiles of the fibre.

Now, after several years of auctions to low state stocks and with demand improving, buyers are expected to return to the market to supplement a production deficit at home.

Domestic usage of cotton is expected to increase by 1.5 million bales to 41.5 million bales in 2018/19.

China has agreed to significantly increase its purchases of American goods and services, and cotton is one of the top agricultural exports of the United States.

The industry is also lobbying for more cotton supplies amid a hike in prices that could drive more manufacturers to use cheaper manmade fibres instead.