Introduction

Cotton Council International plays a major role in strengthening key markets for U.S. cotton and U.S. cotton products.

Cotton Council International (CCI), the export promotion arm of the National Cotton Council of America (NCC), is dedicated to increasing U.S. exports of cotton, cottonseed and their products.

In overseas markets, CCI represents the seven segments of the U.S. cotton industry: producers, ginners, warehousers, merchants, cottonseed handlers, cooperatives and manufacturers. With offices in Washington, Memphis, London, Hong Kong, Seoul and Shanghai, and with dedicated representatives in numerous other countries, CCI plays a major role in strengthening key markets for U.S. cotton and U.S. cotton products in Europe, Asia, Latin America, South Asia and Africa.

Prepared and distributed by CCI and the NCC, this guide provides information to potential buyers of U.S. cotton about the fiber properties of the principal varieties of cotton grown in the various regions of the U.S. Cotton Belt.

Information such as the names and addresses of exporting companies, production and ginning seasons, official U.S. cotton standards and packaging and transportation data is also included. Unless otherwise stated, the information source is the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

CCI thanks the NCC; Cotton Incorporated; the American Cotton Shippers Association; the American Cotton Marketing Cooperatives; the Committee for Cotton Research; the Cotton Foundation; ICE Futures U.S.; the National Cottonseed Products Association; Plains Cotton Growers, Inc.; San Joaquin Valley Quality Cotton Growers Association; Southern Cotton Growers, Inc.; Supima; the USDA; U.S. cotton yarn and textile manufacturers; and COTTON USA Mark licensees around the world for their continued support.