The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has advised that global cotton production estimates have been revised down from 25.9 million tonnes to 25.5 million tonnes.

The decrease is being driven by reduced output in three key producing countries: the United States (-400,000 tonnes), Pakistan (-100,000 tonnes) and Sudan (-50,000 tonnes). According to ICAC, water shortages and unusually dry conditions are affecting crops in the US and Pakistan, while Sudan’s losses are linked to pest infestations.

While consumption and overall trade volumes remain steady compared to last month, ICAC noted that shifts in trading partners are reshaping global flows. In 2023/24, China accounted for 40% of US cotton exports, but that figure has since dropped to just 8%. The US is now exporting more cotton to Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey and India.

The advisory also highlighted that traceability is becoming increasingly important, with a recent US executive order allowing products made from US raw materials to be exempt from import tariffs. Retailers and brands are also demanding greater traceability across supply chains.

Other notable developments identified by ICAC include:

· India’s cotton lint imports in 2024/25 are projected to be almost 3.3 times higher than last season.

· Both Bangladesh and India are expected to increase their imports of US cotton.