U.S.-grown Pima cotton production expected to increase

The U.S. expects higher production of high quality Pima cotton in the next marketing season, said Marc A. Lewkowitz, president and chief executive officer of Supima.

Mr. Lewkowitz, who is in India as part of a Cotton Council International delegation, told The Hinduthat U.S.-grown Pima production during the current marketing season is 77,000 tonnes and for the next marketing season, it is estimated to be 1,10,000 tonnes. However, higher production will not affect prices.

“With India removing the import duty for extra long staple cotton I am optimistic about the demand growing in India [for Supima],” he said.

Executive Director of Cotton Council International, Bruce Atherley, said in a press statement, “India’s textile industry is projected to grow to $350 billion by 2025, and as India is a key market for U.S. cotton, there is substantial opportunity to expand our cooperation.”

While India has picked up the pace in textile exports, its ambitious target of $100 billion exports by 2030 will require collaborative action and robust international trade pathways, it added.