A territory dispute between India and Pakistan could mean increased cotton trade for the United States. Pro Farmer’s Frist Thing Today reports that the dispute over Kashmir has basically stopped cotton trade between India and Pakistan, a business valued at $822 million per year. Pakistan was India’s largest cotton buyer in the 2015-16 marketing year, purchasing around 2.5 million bales from the nation. Pakistan is the world’s number three cotton consuming country. While the nation typically begins importing cotton in September, sources from India and Pakistan say trade has been at a near standstill. Some officials from India recently indicated that its Prime Minister may cut off trade with Pakistan. Reduced cotton imports from Pakistan may help other suppliers like Brazil, the United States and some African countries supply India.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.