REVIEW OF 1995/96

摘要

Reduced imports by China (Mainland) and weak demand in traditional importing countries affected the direction of prices during 1995/96. Following the 34% increase in the Cotlook A Index between 1993/94 and 1994/95, world cotton area and production rose substantially in 1995/96, leading to an increase in ending stocks, World cotton consumption, while higher than the previous season, was less than it would have been if supplies had been greater, and world trade contracted while prices fell. The 1995/96 average Cotlook A Index of 86 cents per pound was 9% lower than in 1994/95 but remained 12 cents per pound above the average since 1973/74 of 73 cents.