China

Extra long staple cotton has been produced in China for decades. The planting region is in the far western province of Xinjiang, which provides an ideal climate for cotton production. Irrigation systems have a long tradition in this area. In recent years, the acreage has been increased sharply in the Aksu area of South Xinjiang.

The ELS cotton is 100% handpicked and roller ginned. Quality is mainly grade 1 and 2, with staple lengths 1.7/16” and longer. Micronaire ranges from 3.5 to 4.9 and strength is 38 gpt (HVI) and higher. Limited quantities are exported.

During the past few years, China has developed an ELS/Upland hybrid seed which produces a fiber with characteristics similar to genuine ELS and is marketed as “long staple” (LS) cotton.

This LS cotton is 100% handpicked, too. About half of the production is roller ginned. The main growing area is in Northern Xinjiang. Depending on weather, 90% is of grade 1 and 2 with staple lengths around 1.1/4” and 1.5/16”, micronaire from 3.5- 4.9 and average strength of 35 gpt (HVI). Long staple cotton is mostly consumed locally.