The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projections for 2009/10 indicate that global cotton stocks are projected to decrease for the third consecutive season and drop below 60 million bales for the first time in 6 seasons. World ending stocks are currently forecast at 56.5 million bales for 2009/10, nearly 8 percent (4.6 million bales) below 2008/09 and the lowest since 2003/04's 48.1 million bales.
The 2009/10 world stock reductions are forecast to come largely from China and the United States, which together account for 89 percent of the projected decline. The balance is spread over a number of countries with several countries—including India and Australia—expected to have higher stocks at the end of 2009/10.
Cotton stock declines in China of 3.1 million bales are projected for 2009/10, as stocks are forecast to fall to 16.1 million bales, the lowest in 15 years. U.S. ending stocks are expected at 5.6 million bales next season, a one-million-bale reduction and the lowest in 5 years. Meanwhile, foreign stocks outside of China are expected to remain one of the highest on record.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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