The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revised its 2024-25 global cotton outlook, projecting an increase in both production and consumption. According to the March 2025 World Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, global cotton production is expected to rise by 500,000 bales, reaching a total of 120.96 million bales. Despite the production increase, global cotton ending stocks were reduced by 80,000 bales, reflecting a tightening supply.
The report highlights a significant rise in cotton consumption, particularly in key markets such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt.
While China’s production is expected to increase, declines in cotton output from countries like Pakistan and Argentina offset these gains.
Cotton exports also saw an increase of 200,000 bales, with Brazil and Turkey showing notable export growth.
The USDA’s revision in the cotton balance sheet reflects stronger global trade, especially in cotton imports, with countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt compensating for China’s lower imports. Despite the increase in cotton demand, global ending stocks have been adjusted downward to 78.33 million bales. The average farm price for upland cotton in the U.S. was lowered to 63 cents per pound. These adjustments indicate an evolving global cotton market amidst continued uncertainties.
