Estimating Minimum Global Cotton Stocks for 2010/11 Based on Production Availability

World cotton stocks relative to consumption reached a 15-year low at the end of 2009/10, raising questions about the extent of further possible reductions for 2010/11.  Global stocks for 2010/11 will depend on production seasonality, processing and shipping lags, and changes in world consumption.  This paper will include an analysis of production timing in major cotton-producing countries and regions, delivery lags, and mill stocks required to sustain consumption, in order to derive theoretical minimum world carryover stocks.