Asia drives cotton import rebound

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Asia’s rising cotton import demand, led by India and China, comes amid tighter production, evolving trade flows and new US policy moves 

Cotton bales stacked in a field waiting for ginning.
ICAC’s latest data show 2025/26 global production at 26.5 million tonnes, up 3% year-on-year.

WASHINGTON DC – Global cotton trade is poised for a tentative recovery over the next two seasons, even as production edges lower and climate and cost pressures mount on growers worldwide, according to a new report from ICAC.

China, meanwhile, is expected to regain its position as the world’s largest cotton importer in 2026/27, accounting for about 19% of global imports.

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