Global Cotton Production Expected to Decline by 5 Percent

13-May-2026 07:57 PM

New York. Global cotton production is likely to witness a decline of more than 5 percent this year. According to the monthly report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), global cotton production—which stood at 122.64 million bales (480 pounds per bale) during the 2025-26 season—is projected to decrease to 116.04 million bales in the 2026-27 marketing season (August–July).

It is noteworthy that the cotton marketing season occurs during different months across various cotton-producing nations worldwide; in the United States, the marketing season runs from August to July, whereas in India, it spans from October to September.

According to the USDA report, a carryover stock of 77.27 million bales of cotton is expected to be available globally at the beginning of the 2026-27 season, while trade (imports and exports) during the season is projected to reach 43.37 million bales. Total global cotton consumption in the 2026-27 season is estimated at 121.69 million bales—a figure significantly higher than the total projected production. Consequently, the carryover surplus stock is expected to decline naturally.

The global carryover stock of cotton is projected to shrink to 71.84 million bales by the end of the 2026-27 season. During the 2025-26 season, total global cotton utilization was recorded at 120.13 million bales, with trade (imports and exports) standing at 43.78 million bales.

The USDA has projected that cotton production in India will improve from 23.8 million bales in the 2025-26 season to reach 24.0 million bales in 2026-27.