The USDA’s cotton projections for 2025-2026 indicate a decrease in global production when compared to the previous marketing year. World cotton production is projected at 117.8 million bales in 2025-2026, nearly three percent, or 3.3 million bales, below 2024-2025, but among the largest crops of the last several years.
Projections for the biggest cotton-producing countries are mixed. China, Australia, and India are expected to see declines in production that will be partially offset by gains in Brazil, Pakistan, and the U.S. American cotton production is expected to marginally rise to 14.5 million bales in 2025-2026.
Global cotton mill use is forecast to increase by one percent or 1.4 million bales in 2025-2026 to 118.1 million bales. Mill use is projected to rise in most major cotton spinning countries in 2025-2026, except for China and Pakistan. China and India will account for more than half the world’s mill use total once again in 2025-2026.