With global cotton mill use forecast to exceed production in 2026/27, world ending stocks are projected to decline 5.5 million bales (1 bale = 480 pounds) year over year to 71.1 million bales, the lowest in eight years.
“For each of the major producing countries, 2026/27 ending stocks are forecast to decline,” the USDA disclosed in its latest report
Stocks in China are projected at 35.5 million bales for 2026/27, compared with 36.6 million bales the previous season. At the end of 2026/27, China is projected to hold half of the global cotton supplies.
In India, 2026/27 ending stocks are forecast at 10.1 million bales, or approximately 14% of the global total.
Meanwhile, Brazil is expected to hold 4.0 million bales of stocks at the end of 2026/27, the United States is expected to carry 3.7 million bales, while Australia’s cotton stocks will decline to less than 2.4 million bales.
Image courtesy: DWIJ
