Patterns in exports of cotton fiber and yarn

Examination of trends in production, consumption, and exports of raw cotton fiber and cotton yarn from southwest Asia reveals some general indications as to the importance of this region in the world market. These trends, along with the underlying policy framework, indicate that US cotton producers have benefitted from decreased exports of raw fiber from Pakistan and India, but US textile manufacturers have lost in terms of increased imports of yarns and fabrics, and may be losing market share of those products in regions of the world where there is direct competition from Pakistan and India.