Cotton planting is progressing well across the globe however, production is forecast to fall from record high of 27.8 mn tons in 2011-12 to 26.4 mn tons in 2012-13 and further to 25 mn in 2013-14, according to International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

Cotton planting in China for 2013/14 is almost complete. All planting is expected to be completed by the first week in June. In 2013/14, Chinese cotton planted area is projected at 4.6 million hectares, a 15% reduction from ten years ago; and production is forecast at 6.7 million tons, the second lowest crop in a decade.

In India, cotton planting this season has been normal, but the monsoon will determine if last season’s area can be maintained. In 2013/14, record cotton area is projected at 11.9 million hectares, up 51% from 2003/04; and cotton production is projected at 6.2 million tons, more than double the 3 million tons of production in 2003/04.

In the United States, cotton was planted at a rapid pace in the month of May. In 2013/14, U.S. cotton area is projected at 3.4 million hectares, a 30% reduction from ten years ago, and cotton production is projected to decline from 4 million tons in 2003/04 to 3 million tons in 2013/14.

In Pakistan, cotton is being planted at a good pace in Punjab and Sindh. In 2013/14, cotton area is projected at 2.9 million hectares, and cotton production at 2 million tons, the same as the previous season and similar to the 10-year average.