World cotton prices surge to highest since May 1995
International cotton prices have increased almost continuously since April 2009. The rise in prices has been particularly steep since August 2010. The Cotlook A Index reached 115.60 U.S. cents per pound on September 29, 2010, 80% higher than at the same date last year and the highest value reached since May 23, 1995.The recent firm increase in cotton prices is mainly the result of strong market fundamentals rather than speculation. World cotton stocks fell by 24% to 9.0 million tons in 2009/10. This marked the end of a five-year period of high stocks. World cotton production is expected to rebound by 16% to 25 million tons in 2010/11, encouraged by the significant rise in prices experienced last season.
Global cotton mill use should continue to recover, however more slowly than in 2009/10 due to limited available supplies and high prices of the fiber. As production and consumption are forecast to roughly balance in 2010/11, world ending stocks are not expected to increase significantly.
These perspectives, added to concerns about the damage caused to Pakistan’s 2010/11 cotton crop by the August floods, expected harvest delays in China and India, and concerns about restrictions in shipments by a major exporting country, have supported cotton prices in the first two months of 2010/11.
The ICAC (International Cotton Advisory Committee) Price Model forecasts a 2010/11 season-average Cotlook A Index of 90 cents per pound, 15% higher than last season and the highest since 1994/95. The 95% confidence interval extends from 78 to 106 cents per pound. This forecast suggests that cotton prices could decline from the current highs later in the season.
However, external factors such as the uncertain global economic outlook, possible government measures affecting global cotton trade, and price competition with other fibers could affect the degree of increase in prices in 2010/11.
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