US cotton exports in 2016-17 are forecast to rise 53 per cent from the previous season. Overall, the US share of world trade is expected to reach 39 per cent, up 26 per cent from the last season, which would be the highest level in six years.

The US share of China’s cotton imports has rebounded remarkably from 11 per cent last year to 35 per cent. For Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, US cotton exports for the August-February period are up by more than 140 per cent. This further supports the strong share of the US in the global market.

As for other countries, India’s exports are down to four million bales as high domestic prices have slowed sales. Australia’s exports are down to 3.9 million bales as old crop stocks are exhausted and yet-to-arrive new crops face stronger competition. Uzbekistan’s cotton exports are down to 1.5 million bales on lower demand in some of its major markets as well as policies withholding supplies for domestic use.

Greece’s exports are expected to rise on higher production as well as a strong pace of trade to date. Similarly for Brazil on higher carrying stocks due to reduced use estimates in the back year.