The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cotton projections for 2009/10 indicate that world cotton mill use is expected to rise 3 percent above 2008/09. This season's modest increase comes on the heels of last year's 10-percent decline that was attributable to the global economic crisis which impacted most countries' textile mill activity in 2008/09.
While cotton mill use is forecast to expand in a number of countries in 2009/10, mill use is continuing its trend of concentration among a few countries. The share of global cotton mill use continues to rise for countries such as China, India, and Pakistan. In 2002/03, these three countries accounted for about 53 percent of the world's cotton mill use; for 2009/10, these countries are projected to account for nearly 68 percent.
China leads the way, spinning over 40 percent of the world's total since 2006/07. Shares for India and Pakistan continue to grow and are forecast to reach 16.5 and 10.5 percent, respectively, during 2009/10. Meanwhile, U.S. mill use continues its downward trend.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
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