US cotton productions forecast for 2012 remains same

Cotton continues to account for the largest share of the total fiber product deficit, contributing more than 50 percent during first-quarter 2012.

Although the volume of U.S. cotton product imports was lower from most sources, the five leading suppliers’ combined share rose slightly during first-quarter 2012 at the expense of other countries. 

Among the top five countries, however, only India and Bangladesh experienced share growth from the most recently completed calendar year.  During the first 3 months of 2012, India’s share approached 10 percent, compared with 8 percent for both 2010 and 2011 calendar years, while Bangladesh’s share rose less than 2 percentage points to 7.6 percent. 

Meanwhile, the share for China—the single largest source for U.S. cotton products—reached 28.5 percent during the first 3 months of 2012.  While above the corresponding period of 2011, the share is considerably lower than both 2010 and 2011.

U.S. cotton product exports remain more concentrated than imports.  During January-March 2012, the top five countries accounted for 85 percent of the total, compared with 84 percent a year earlier. 

Although the share for the leading destinations was similar to a year ago, individual country shares varied.  For Honduras—the top destination for U.S. cotton products—the share declined from 40 percent a year ago to 36 percent. 

In contrast, the shares for Mexico, El Salvador, and Canada each increased during first-quarter 2012, combining to capture the share lost by Honduras.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)