World cotton consumption is estimated at 24.4 million tons in 2005/06, up 4 percent. China (Mainland) is expected to account for 86 percent of this consumption increase. Consumption in China (Mainland) is forecast up 10 percent to 9 million tons, accounting for 37 percent of world consumption.
China (Mainland) will need to import this season about 3.2 million tons to fill in its production-consumption gap. Total cotton imports, driven by Chinese imports, are projected at a record this season, 8.7 million tons, up 21 percent from 2004/05.
The mission of the ICAC is to assist governments in fostering a healthy world cotton economy, and the work of the Committee is important to government officials and all segments of the private sector involved with cotton.