Mumbai, May 14 -- The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service states that 2025/26 global cotton use is forecast up slightly from the previous year to 118.1 million bales, a 5-year high if realized. Global production is forecast down 3.3 million bales to 117.8 million as smaller crops in China and Australia more than offset a larger crop in Brazil. China production is forecast down 3.0 million bales to 29.0 million as yields are expected to fall from last year's record and area is unchanged. Area planted is projected to fall in many countries, including the United States and Australia, due to weaker cotton prices. In Brazil, area harvested and production are both forecast above the record levels reached in 2024/25.
Global Cotton trade is projec...