Trends in the development of the global cotton market

The article examines the conjuncture of the global cotton market. The dynamics of cotton production in the leading producing countries: China, India, the USA, Brazil is analyzed, and the change in the competitive positions of countries in the global cotton market is determined. The countries leading in terms of consumption, export and import of cotton are identified, the factors shaping the cotton market situation are identified, the dynamics of world prices are analyzed, and the prospects for the development of the cotton market are outlined. It was concluded that changes in the climatic conditions of cotton cultivation, droughts and floods, and weather conditions in the largest producing countries have the greatest impact on the recessions and ups of market conditions. World cotton prices declined significantly in the year of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and increased significantly after the US imposed an embargo on cotton imports from China in 2022. The most important conjuncture-forming factors have been identified: natural disasters, trade restrictions, new environmental standards in the industry, automotive technologies and digitalization of cotton agricultural machinery.