Drop in quality of imported cotton

The quality of imported cotton declined last year, according to a report from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine on Thursday.

Entry-exit inspection authorities inspected 5.28 million tons of imported cotton last year, more than double the weight for the previous year.

Inspection results showed 13.28 percent of the cotton failed grade tests, and 2.71 percent failed to meet the standard for fiber strength tests, a decline in quality compared with 2011, according to the administration.

China's entry-exit inspection bureaus also claimed $201 million in compensation for substandard cotton supplied from overseas, the administration said.

The nation imported cotton from 55 countries and regions last year, with the United States, India, Australia, Brazil and Uzbekistan the top five suppliers in value.