Vietnam's Cotton Imports Edge Up

WASHINGTON - Jun 6/06 - SNS -- Cotton fiber production in Vietnam should enjoy a modest improvement this year, but production gains fall far short of the country's growth in demand, with the result imports will grow more quickly, according to a recent report from the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

Cotton fiber output should expand from 10,404 MT to 10,764 million on a modest improvement in seeded area to 23,000 hectares and a 29,900 MT raw cotton harvest. The gains will have no impact on imports, which are expected to jump from an estimated 155,000 MT this season to a forecast 160,000 MT in 2006-07.

Traders and agronomists say it will be difficult for Vietnam to extend cotton area in the next few years unless the government guarantee price or world prices improve greatly.

According to the Vietnam Customs Office, in 2004-05, Vietnam imported 150,000 MT of cotton fiber. Through the first 9 months of 2005-06 imports are comparable with the same period last year.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here