Ethiopia: Cotton Annual
Cotton production for MY2019/20 is forecast at 262,000 bales (57,000 metric tons), 8 percent higher than the previous year. The increase in production is due to an increase in area harvested. Attractive domestic prices coupled with a growing textile and apparel industry, and recent approval of Bt cotton seed varieties for commercial cultivation all add a positive stimulus to expand local production. Consumption is forecast to increase to 295,000 bales (64,000 metric tons) with thriving investments in the textile industry. While, imports are forecast at 38,000 bales or 8,000 metric tons. Imports in the short-run are expected to be marginal as the country struggles to maintain its depleting foreign exchange reserves.
