India’s cotton area is forecast to increase by seven per cent in 2017-18. Assuming yield is similar to the five-year average, production could increase by three per cent. Similarly, China’s cotton area may expand by three per cent due to the stable cotton policy and high cotton prices. Production in China is expected to rise by one per cent. Harvested cotton area in the US is expected to grow by 12 per cent and production could grow by eight per cent.

Unlike other top cotton producers, area in Uzbekistan is expected to dip four per cent in accordance with plans to reduce areas where yields are low and use them for other agricultural products. However, plentiful soil moisture may improve the average yield by one per cent, which will limit the loss in output. Uzbekistan’s cotton production is projected to decline by two per cent.

Cotton area in Brazil and Australia is forecast to increase by two per cent and three per cent. World cotton trade is projected to rise five per cent. Imports by Bangladesh are forecast to rise by three per cent, while imports by Vietnam may increase by 16 per cent. Imports by China are expected to increase by three per cent. Exports from the United States are projected to increase by 53 per cent. India’s exports are projected to decrease by 30 per cent.