The US share in world cotton production has declined by 20 per cent from the early 2000s. However, it remains the world’s leading cotton exporter. Brazil’s cotton exports are projected to increase 10.5 per cent over the next 10 years, the largest projected growth rate among the world’s major exporters. Brazil became the world’s second-ranking cotton exporter in 2018-19. India’s cotton exports are expected to grow by 4.5 per cent over the next ten years. Improved yields have raised India’s production and exports, although bollworm resistance issues have hampered yields in recent years.

The projected growth in yield reflects continuing improvement in cultivation practices and stabilization of insect problems. India is expected to remain the world’s third-largest cotton exporter after the United States and Brazil. Exports from the 15 countries of the Economic Community of West African States are projected to experience sustained four per cent annual growth in the next decade. Improvements in technical and financial infrastructure will help boost production and exports. Exports from the other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are projected to increase 2.7 per cent annually. Major cotton-producing countries in Central Asia are promoting investment in textile industries and exports of textile products rather than exports of raw cotton.