Production Continues to Exceed Consumption, Some Growers Shift Away from Cotton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date Posted: February 2, 2026

Washington, DC - World cotton lint production in the 2025/26 season is currently estimated at 26 million tonnes, continuing to exceed world consumption, which is estimated at 25.2 million tonnes, according to the February 2026 edition of Cotton This Month. Global production is estimated to be 1% higher than the previous season, while consumption is estimated to be 0.4% higher, resulting in a continued supply surplus in the world cotton market.

World cotton lint production in 2025/26 is expected to be led by China, followed by India and Brazil. Consumption is also led by China, followed by India and Pakistan, underscoring Asia's continued dominance in both global supply and demand.

World cotton lint trade in 2025/26 is estimated at 9.7 million tonnes, representing a 5% increase over the previous season, although this figure may be revised as the season progresses. Brazil is expected to remain the world's largest exporter, followed by the United States and Australia. On the import side, Bangladesh is projected to be the world's largest cotton lint importer, followed by Vietnam and China, reflecting ongoing shifts in global textile manufacturing and sourcing patterns.

Other notable findings include:

• The United States signed trade agreements with China (which agreed to suspend all tariffs on US cotton lint imports) and Vietnam (which agreed to increase its US imports).
• Growers in Argentina, Mexico, and India are expected to shift away from cotton to alternative crops, believing they will provide more income.
• The ICAC projects cotton production in Australia will decrease by 22% and cotton planted area will decrease by 11%, largely due to low cotton prices and an expected reduction in irrigation water.

ICAC's Statistical Data Portal
For the most current statistics, please refer to the ICAC's Statistics Portal. It is updated with new data constantly, and that new information is immediately reflected in the Portal, making it a valuable resource all month long.

The author of Cotton This Month is Parkhi Vats, ICAC Economic Affairs Officer. You can email her with comments and questions by clicking .

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The next Cotton This Month will be released on March 2, 2026.

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About the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)
Formed in 1939, the ICAC is an association of cotton producing, consuming, trading, and investing countries. It acts as a catalyst for change by helping Member governments maintain a healthy world cotton economy; provides transparency to the world cotton market by serving as a clearinghouse for technical information on cotton production; and serves as a forum for discussing cotton issues of international significance. In addition, Members can take advantage of the ICAC's global network of cotton researchers, whose expertise covers the supply chain from farm to textile manufacturing, and have free access to its cutting-edge technologies like the voice-based app and virtual reality cotton training program. Committed to ensuring cotton's continued sustainability, the ICAC is the only intergovernmental commodity body covering cotton that is recognized by the United Nations. For more information, please visit www.icac.org, Twitter or LinkedIn.