The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates for 2010/11 projects global cotton consumption at approximately 120.9 million bales. Despite the 2.7-percent increase from 2009/10, this season's consumption remains well below the 123-plusmillion bales used just 3 years ago. The second consecutive season of growth is expected as the global economy recovers from the recent severe economic conditions.
The top four cotton-spinning countries China, India, Pakistan, and Turkey are forecast to account for nearly 73 percent of global consumption in 2010/11, similar to 2009/10 but up from an average of about 71 percent for the 2006-2008 seasons.
However, shares for China and India the top two spinners have more than offset slight declines in Pakistan and Turkey. In 2010/11, China and India are expected to account for 70.4 million bales of world consumption, or 58 percent of the total. Meanwhile, use in Pakistan and Turkey are projected at a combined 17.5 million bales, or about 15 percent of total consumption.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)