Indian cotton exports to China got off to a flying start in 2006, with a sharp rise of almost 3,000 percent in January thereby becoming the second largest exporter after the US.
Cotton exports reached 43,073 tons in January.
The US was the biggest exporter with 76,479 tons but recorded a marginal increase of 50 percent.
Uzbekhistan was the third largest exporter with 2,595 tons. India export growth rate in a year was third highest, behind Paraguay with almost 9,000 per cent and Australia with 3,500 per cent.
China cotton production has declined and it has been sourcing from various countries including India, the US, Pakistan and Australia, said an industry observer.
India is the third largest cotton producer in the world after China and the United States.
India accounts for 12 percent of world production and 20 per cent of global cotton area.
Cotton production from next financial year starting April 2006 is expected to reach last year's level of almost 20 million bales.
Since 2005 export have gradually increased from 0.80 million bales and is likely to cross 2 million bales this year.
marketing@alchempro.com
