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Uzbekistan
MaliData Analysis and Insights
China and India lead in global cotton production
China and India dominate the global cotton market, with China producing 6,684 thousand metric tons and India 5,661 thousand metric tons during the 2021/2022 season. Together, they account for approximately 45% of the cotton production among the top ten producing countries listed.Top four countries contribute significantly to global cotton output
The top four countries, including the United States and Brazil, collectively generate 17,557 thousand metric tons of cotton. This amount signifies over 75% of the production from the top ten countries, highlighting the concentrated nature of cotton production.Australia stands out among smaller producers
Australia, with its production of 1,263 thousand metric tons, leads the lower half of the top ten producers, producing significantly more cotton than Turkey, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Argentina, and Mali. Its output is more than double that of Argentina and nearly eight times that of Mali.Disparity in production volumes among top producers
A sharp disparity exists between the highest and lowest producers within the top ten, with China producing over 41 times the amount of cotton as Mali. The range from the highest to the lowest producer underscores the vast differences in cotton production capabilities and scales across countries.Significant drop from top to bottom producers
Production figures show a substantial decrease from the top producer, China, to the tenth, Mali, with a decrease in production from 6,684 to 160 thousand metric tons. This steep decline illustrates the varied levels of cotton production across different countries, reflecting differences in agricultural infrastructure, climate, and economic focus.Middle-ranked countries show close production figures
Countries ranked from fifth to ninth (Australia, Turkey, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Argentina) demonstrate relatively close production figures, ranging from 245 to 1,263 thousand metric tons. This clustering indicates a middle tier of cotton-producing countries with moderate production volumes compared to the top and bottom producers.Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries lead in global cotton production?
China and India dominate global cotton production, together accounting for approximately 45% of the cotton produced by the top ten producing countries.
What percentage of global cotton production is contributed by the top four countries?
The top four countries - China, India, the United States, and Brazil - collectively generate over 75% of the cotton produced by the top ten countries.
Terms and Definitions
Cotton production refers to the process of cultivating the cotton plant in order to harvest its fibers. The fibers are then processed to produce raw cotton which can be used to create a variety of consumer and industrial products such as clothing, linen, cottonseed oil, and more.
Global distribution refers to the way in which something is spread or divided over the world or a large geographic area. When discussing cotton production, this term relates to how the cultivation and harvesting of cotton is dispersed across different countries and regions.
Production volume is a measure of the total quantity of cotton produced over a given time period. This is typically measured in weight and may be reported annually or in other relevant time frames. Higher production volumes indicate larger outputs from a region or country.
Cotton yield refers to the amount of cotton that is harvested per unit of land cultivated. It is usually measured in pounds per acre or kilograms per hectare. Yield may vary depending on various factors, including the quality of the soil, the climate, and the cultivation practices used.
Cotton varieties refer to the different types of cotton plants grown around the world. These different varieties produce cotton with different properties such as length and strength of fiber, and adaptability to certain climates and soils. Examples include Upland cotton, Sea Island cotton, and Pima cotton.
Cotton cultivation concerns the practices involved in growing cotton plants, from preparing the land and planting the seeds, to nurturing the crop and harvesting the cotton. Each step of the cultivation process impacts the quality and quantity of cotton produced.
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U.S.: Cotton Planting and Harvesting Areas, by year
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The harvesting and planting of cotton in the U.S. involves a cyclical process starting from preparation in early spring to harvesting in the fall, heavily marked by factors such as weather patterns, soil fertility, and labor availability.
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