Global Production of Peanuts and Cottonseed May Dip in 2009/10

摘要

Global cottonseed output fell sharply last year due to poorer harvests in the United States, Brazil, India, and China. However, no recovery is expected for 2009/10 cottonseed production (declining to 41.2 million tons from 41.6 million). Global supplies of cotton are considered ample and current prices are well below last year's. Production gains for India, Australia, and the United States would be offset by reductions for China, Uzbekistan, and Turkey. China's cottonseed production is expected to decline 8 percent in 2009 to 12.9 million tons. The decline would stem from a 9-percent reduction in sown cotton area. Farm returns for growing cotton in China have slumped while grain prices have been more stable. In contrast, the comparative profitability of growing cotton in India is still good and farmers should continue expanding its area. India's cottonseed crop in 2009/10 is projected up to 10.65 million tons from 9.8 million this year. Harvests of Australian and U.S. cottonseed should improve with rebounding yields.