I am looking for some information and practical guidance on cotton
trade - in particular if relevant for developing countries.

References to things like (mainly as example) different types of cotton,
quality issues, handling, logistics (storage, transportation,...),
pricing, financing, contracts, risk management, certifications, marketing and
processing, trends in volumes/qualities/use/demand, ...

It might not be possible to cover all areas. But if half of them are
covered with some references then also fine.  As long as it is not
mainly simple statistics on years, countries etc.
 
Hint/guess:  Given the importance of cotton in West Africa it might be
that some information is in French - which would be all right as part
of an answer.  Just a guess.

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Clarification of Question by alsinger-ga on 19 Jan 2005 04:25 PST

References to books/publications/guides/trade-manuals are also of
interest - even if the content cannot be read at the screen.

The following market publications may be of interest to you:

Freedonia Focus on Cotton Fabrics (US materials market study)
http://www.bizlib.com/ZFRCN.html

Global Cotton Industry: Market Analysis and Production Structure
http://www.bizlib.com/ZRS65852.html

UK Fibres Market Research Report
http://www.bizlib.com/ZMD68840.html

Let me know what you think, thanks.