USDA lifts world cotton forecast on bigger Brazil, US crops
The USDA's October WASDE report estimates global cotton output at 118 million bales for 2026-27. That is 600,000 bales above September's figure, following larger Brazilian and US crop forecasts.
The USDA’s October WASDE report places world cotton production for 2026-27 at 118 million bales. That marks a 600,000-bale increase over the prior month’s estimate. The revision reflects expectations of bigger harvests in Brazil and the US.
As a result, the projected global cotton supply is larger than the September outlook indicated. The adjustment stems from changed production expectations in Brazil and the United States.
If the larger crop forecasts materialize, cotton growers elsewhere could face more competitive market conditions, while textile and apparel buyers may see greater supply availability. Consumers could eventually benefit if lower input costs pass through, though many factors shape retail prices.