Thailand's cotton imports increase significantly in the new year

In July this year, Thailand's cotton imports reached 29,900 tons, an increase of 11.4% year-on-year, of which imports of Australian cotton increased by 43.4% year-on-year, and imports of African cotton also hit a record high.

The reasons for the large increase in cotton imports in Thailand are twofold. First, the ban on Indian cotton exports has prompted textile mills to switch to importing Australian cotton. Thailand’s import of Indian cotton was zero during the month. Second, although international cotton prices are at a high level, Thai The continuous rise in the exchange rate of the United States dollar has led to a reduction in the cost of cotton imports.

In 2009/10, Thailand’s cotton imports totaled 400,000 tons, a year-on-year increase of 12.7%, of which imports of Australian cotton increased by 71.2%. In 2010/11, Thailand’s cotton imports are expected to remain unchanged from the previous year. If the Thai baht exchange rate continues to rise, or if the domestic textile industry continues to grow, cotton imports are expected to increase further.