For first eleven months of 2006, Ningbo port imported 89,300 tons of cotton worth US $118 million, a hike of 90.3 percent compared to the same period last year.

The import price during this period was $1319.39 per ton, a surge of 5.5 percent over last year.

In December 2006, Ningbo port imported 8000 tons of cotton worth $10.408 million.

According to experts, domestic industry witnessed hike in demand of cotton because of rise in exports of textile and clothing industry. They were of the opinion that Government should encourage cotton farming and promote cotton sector to use latest technology.