See the latest Cotton and Wool Outlook report.
Global 2026/27 Cotton Ending Stocks Projected Lowest in 8 Years
The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cotton projections for 2026/27 (August–July) world ending stocks is 71.1 million bales, a 7-percent (5.5-million-bale) decrease from 2025/26 and the lowest level since 2018/19. The decline is primarily the result of lower 2026/27 world cotton production, with higher forecasted mill use further tightening supplies. All major cotton-producing countries are projected to contribute to the 2026/27 stock reduction.
Global cotton production is forecast at 116.0 million bales, nearly 5.5 percent (6.6 million bales) below 2025/26. A decline for all major cotton producers is expected, except for India. World cotton mill use is forecast to increase nearly 1.5 percent (1.7 million bales) in 2026/27 to approximately 121.8 million bales, the highest in 6 years. Mill use is projected to rise in most cotton spinning countries in 2026/27, except for Turkey and Vietnam which are forecast unchanged from 2025/26. China and India account for more than half of the world cotton mill use total once again in 2026/27. With reduced stocks, 2026/27 global cotton prices are expected to rebound from about 80 cents per pound recorded in the previous two seasons to 90 cents per pound.