India: Cotton and Products Update - December 2021

FAS Mumbai (Post) forecasts marketing year (MY) 2021/2022 cotton production at 27.7 million 480 lb. bales on an area of 12.4 million hectares. Untimely rains during the Northeast Monsoon (October-December) along with pink bollworm infestation led to lower production in North India. Post estimates consumption at 26 million 480 lb. bales driven by strong export demand for cotton yarn and textiles. However, a strong surge in domestic fiber prices is impeding mills from building higher inventories, thereby limiting export prospects.