Global Cotton Production Estimated to Reach 121.9 Million Bales

10-Apr-2026 04:45 PM

New York. In its latest monthly (April) report, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected that global cotton production for the 2025-26 marketing season (August–July) is likely to rise to 121.87 million bales (each weighing 480 pounds)—an increase from the 120.99 million bales estimated in the March report.

The report features an upward revision of 300,000 bales each in the cotton production estimates for India, China, and Pakistan, while production estimates for several other countries have undergone minor adjustments.

Furthermore, the USDA report has raised the global cotton consumption estimate for the 2025-26 season from 118.58 million bales to 119.14 million bales. This revision is driven primarily by the expectation of increased cotton consumption in textile mills in India and China, whereas consumption estimates for Bangladesh and Vietnam have been slightly lowered.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has made a slight downward adjustment to its global cotton trade forecast. The March report had projected total cotton imports and exports at 43.91 million bales; this figure has been revised down to 43.72 million bales in the April report.

The global cotton export estimate has been reduced by approximately 190,000 bales, reflecting the expectation of lower shipments from India.

However, the global ending stocks of cotton for the 2025-26 marketing season are projected to rise to 77.04 million bales—an increase over the 76.39 million bales estimated in the March report. For India specifically, the USDA has raised its cotton production estimate from 23.5 million bales to 23.8 million bales.