Global cotton production is forecast 8% higher in 2011/12, compared with 2010/11, at 26.8 million tons, whereas

consumption could decline by 2% to 23.9 million tons. As a result of the projected surplus of 2.9 million tons,

global cotton stocks could rebound to 11.9 million tons by the end of 2011/12. This recovery follows two

seasons of relatively tight global stocks.

Almost 40% of the gain in global stocks this season could take place in China, due to the rebuilding of the

national reserve. Between October 8 and December 30, 2011, a total of 2.1 million tons of domestic cotton were

purchased for the China national reserve. Daily purchases are continuing. There is no limit to the amount of

domestic cotton to be purchased by the national reserve this season. In addition, it is reported that about one

million tons of non-Chinese cotton has been bought for the reserve; this cotton will be shipped to China over the

next few months. Overall, the national reserve, which was almost exhausted by the end of 2010/11, could grow

by at least 3 million tons or 11% of 2011/12 global production. It is possible that some of the reserve cotton will

be sold later in the season. Outside of China, cotton stocks are expected to grow by 26% to 8.7 million tons in

2011/12, the largest in four years.

The lack of demand for cotton and ample supplies are placing downward pressure on prices. The Cotlook A

Index dropped from 114 cents/lb in early August 2011 to 93 cents/lb in late December 2011. The average

Cotlook A Index for the first 5 months of 2011/12 is 109 cents/lb or a third lower than the 2010/11 full-season

average.