The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service projects China's marketing year (MY) 26/27 cotton production at 7.2 million metric tons (MMT), a decline of 4.5% from the previous year. The reduction is attributed to an expected decrease in planted area in Xinjiang as Beijing modifies its subsidy policy to discourage cotton planting on marginal land. Cotton imports for MY 26/27 are forecast at 1.5 MMT, a slight increase from the low levels estimated for MY 25/26. U.S.
cotton exports to China remain subject to a 10% tariff affecting all U.S. products. The report was published on April 22, 2026, by the Office of Agricultural Affairs in Beijing.