Cotton

U.S. exports of cotton declined 3 percent in 2020 to $6 billion but remained the fifth-highest export value on record. Exports to China surged by more than 150 percent to reach a 7-year high. Exports to Pakistan realized their fifth consecutive record. Exports to other markets were largely down, with 15 of the top 20 markets down by more than 30 percent. Much of the increase to China was destined for the State Reserve (SR), which limited supplies available for other markets. Brazil, which saw its third consecutive record crop, increased its market share relative to the United States in 20 of the top 25 import markets.

Global consumption in 2020 was dramatically affected by COVID-19 as consumer demand shrank and mill use fell by nearly 20 percent. Trade volume was reduced by nearly 10 percent. World and U.S. prices fell sharply in the first quarter of 2020 due to concerns over the impact of COVID-19 and large global stocks. However, prices rallied mid-year, supported by increasing prices for other commodities, and ended the year at a 2-year high.

More information from the 2020 U.S. Agricultural Export Yearbook

USDA's latest official data on U.S. and global trade, production, consumption and stocks, as well as analysis of developments affecting world trade in cotton, can be found in the Cotton: World Markets and Trade report.