BEIJING (February 20, 2011) : China's 2010 cotton output was estimated at 6.33 million tonnes, down 7.6 percent from the previous year, according to the latest data from Beijing Cotton Outlook published on Tuesday.

The output estimate was the same as their earlier estimate last month, said the consultancy, which is a joint venture between Cotlook Ltd, which publishes Cotton Outlook, and the China Cotton Association as well as the China National Cotton Exchange The output estimate was higher than the China vice agricultural minister's estimate of 6.2 million tonnes late last year, but lower than the China Cotton Association's latest estimate of 6.65 million tonnes.