World cotton production is projected at 25 million tons in 2006/07. China (Mainland), India and Pakistan combined are expected to produce 13 million tons in 2006/07, or over half of world production for the first time in history. World cotton consumption is expected to continue to increase in 2006/07, but at a slower rate than in the last two seasons, to 25.6 million tons. China (Mainland), India and Pakistan combined may consume 16.6 million tons of cotton in 2006/07, or 65% of projected world consumption, up from 50% in 2000/01. Cotton consumption in the rest of the world is projected to remain stable at 9 million tons. World cotton imports are projected at 9.2 million tons in 2006/07, slightly down from the record reached last season.

World cotton ending stocks are projected at 11.6 million tons in 2006/07, down for the second consecutive season.

WORLD COTTON SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION

. 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 . Million Tons Million Bales Production 24.66 25.0 25.7 113.3 115 118 Consumption 24.79 25.6 26.2 113.9 118 120 Exports 9.74 9.2 9.2 44.7 42 42 Ending Stocks 11.91 11.6 11.5 54.7 53 53 Cotlook A Index* . 56.15 . . 56.15 .

* US cents per pound.

PDF version: http://www.icac.org/cotton_info/publications/press/2006/pr_october_06.pdf

The International Cotton Advisory Committee is an association of 41 governments of cotton producing and consuming countries. The Secretariat of the Committee publishes information related to world  cotton production, supply, demand and prices, and provides technical information on cotton production technology.