Global Perspective: The Actual Quality Of Australian Cotton Is Far Better Than Expected

The Australian Cotton Merchants Association predicts that the Australian cotton industry will continue to expand in 2025. The newly developed cotton growing areas in the north and west have now established a solid foundation and become a real cotton producing area. In addition, one ginning plant has begun to officially operate and another will soon be put into production.

At present, cotton planting in Australia is in progress. Due to the sufficient water storage in the farm reservoir, the industry expects the cotton output to reach 4.5-5 million bales in 2025. Although the expected El Ni ñ o phenomenon in 2024 has not occurred, the La Ni ñ a phenomenon may appear at present. It is hoped that the following rainfall can occur at an appropriate time to ensure a smooth start to the growth of new cotton.

Up to now, the peak period of export shipment of Australian cotton has passed, and the shipment volume in October was 666000 bales. The cumulative shipment volume from March to October this year reached 4.12 million bales. China and Vietnam are the largest buyers of Australian cotton. The shipment data of November has not yet been released, but considering the production of 4.8 million bags, it is not difficult to export all the remaining supplies.

In 2024, Australia's cotton output will reach more than 4.8 million bales, slightly lower than 5.2 million bales in 2023. The rainfall at the initial stage of growth worried the industry, but the actual quality was far better than expected, with more than 58% reaching grade 31-3 and above, the fiber length remaining above 36, 92% reaching above 37-40, 90% of the horse value reaching G5 (3.5-4.9), and a small amount of G6 (5.0-5.2).