Cotton linter import from India soars in Aug

Chinese new cottonseed has gradually arrived at the market with falling prices. New cotton linter ir also about to arrive, and many participants are adopting a wait-and-see attitude. In Aug, the import volume of cotton linter once again declined, while the import from India showed a soaring trend.

Since Feb of this year, cotton linter import of China has been increasing month by month, doubling in Jun and Jul, while falling again in Aug to 6.527kt, a m-o-m decrease of 43.54% and a y-o-y decrease of 4%. From Jan to Aug, the cumulative import volume was about 49.448kt, a decrease of 39% compared to the same period last year.

In terms of import origins, the concentration of imported cotton linter this year is quite high, mainly from three countries (regions) such as India, Turkey, and Brazil. In Aug, the combined proportion of the three countries accounted for nearly 90%. From Jan to Aug, the percentage reached as high as 94%.

Among them, the import from India has significantly increased this year, which was 4.172kt, accounting for 64%, with a year-on-year increase of 19,304.1%. From Jan to Aug, the import volume was about 20.627kt, taking up 42%, with a year-on-year increase of 120.4%.

However, it is worth noting that in recent years, the import from India has experienced significant fluctuations. In 2015, it reached the peak with an import volume of about 85.752kt, accounting for 43.3%. From Jan to Aug this year, the import volume was only about 24% of the peak. In contrast, the import from Turkey has shown a significant upward trend in recent years, peaking at 59.622kt in 2021, accounting for 30.5%. From Jan to Aug this year, the import volume was about 14.307kt, accounting for 29%.

In conclusion, there have been significant fluctuations in cotton linter import market this year, with the volume starting to rise from Feb and doubling in Jun and Jul, then dropping again in Aug. India, Turkey, and Brazil are the main sources of imported cotton linter, and due to their low base last year and cost advantages, the import volume of Indian cotton linter has grown significantly.