#Natural Fibers

2025-06-05

The ICAC releases its 2025/26 world cotton market projections

The ICAC's 2025/26 season projections are holding steady as we begin June, with cotton production and consumption projected to be around 26 million tonnes and 25.7 million tonnes, respectively, while trade is forecasted to rebound to reach 9.7 million tonnes.

In terms of production by region, ICAC is posting upward revisions for Brazil, USA, and the West African region — but they are likely to be negated by slight reduction from China in 2025/26.

After China's exceptional yields of 2257 kg/ha — the highest levels ever recorded — the ICAC projects that China will produce about 6.3 million tonnes of cotton, which is slightly less than the current season but still the most in the world.

Consumption is expected to remain under pressure, given the upcoming tariff escalations, regulatory concerns, and fiber market competition. World cotton trade is projected to rebound by 2% to reach 9.65 million tonnes due to increased stocks from the current season and projected mill demand, but trade deals and tariffs may have an impact on the cotton trade next season.

The Secretariat’s current price forecast for the 2024/25 season average A Index stands at 81 cents per pound. For 2025/26, the preliminary price forecast, based on current supply and demand estimates, ranges from 56 to 95 cents per pound, with a midpoint of 73 cents. Price Projections are made by Ms. Lorena Ruiz, ICAC Economist.

ICAC announces postponement of the 83rd Plenary Meeting in Tanzania

Due to unforeseen circumstances arising from the recent developments in Tanzania, the ICAC has announced that its upcoming 83rd Plenary Meeting has been postponed. Scheduled for Nov. 17-20 in Mwanza, the delay was recommended by Tanzania, and the decision was made out of an abundance of caution, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants.

World Cotton Trade declined 4.1% in 2024/25, according to ICAC's 2025 World Cotton Trade Report

Washington, DC — The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has released the 2025 World Cotton Trade Report, which covers trade developments in raw cotton since 1980. An annual publication, it provides analysis of world trade by region; import/export projections by country; matrices of trade flows; and seasonal estimates of export commitments to date.

ICAC releases 2025 edition of the Specialty Cotton Report

The ICAC has released the newest edition of the Specialty Cotton Report, a free publication that was created in 2023 to highlight the many new "identity cotton programs" that have been emerging around the world, in addition to covering long-staple (LS) and extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. For the ICAC's purposes, "specialty cotton" refers to any cotton that is remarkable in some way — LS, ELS, or falls under a specific identity program.

Uster presents novelties at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025

There’s news from Uster Technologies to be announced for the industry’s upcoming event in Singapore. The Uster 360Q universe is growing with new products, solutions and services. Innovation developments can also be recorded in the fields of man-made fiber testing and fabric inspection. Uster innovations address the industry’s trending topics as mill management and process control, optimization of delivered fabric quality and yield.

BCI warns against ‘dangerous dilution’ of EU corporate directives

The approval of the European Commission’s Omnibus I proposal by the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs, accepting controversial changes to key sustainability directives is of great concern. These changes, namely to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), threaten to significantly dilute business reporting and due diligence obligations.

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 spotlights industry transformation

Taking place 11 – 13 March 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, Yarn Expo Spring 2026 is set to build on the exceptional success of the 2025 edition, which attracted nearly 24,000 visitors from 123 countries and regions. The show set a record with over 560 exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations. Notably, regenerated fibres and yarns drew the highest interest among visitors, with 57% sourcing in that category. Reflecting growing industry momentum, Yarn Expo Spring 2026 will continue to serve as a key global platform for driving sustainable development within the yarn and fibre sectors.

Toray develops recycling technology that retains carbon fiber strength and surface quality

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a recycling technology that can decompose diverse carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) made from thermosetting resins while retaining the strength and surface quality of those fibers. The company drew on this technology to create a nonwoven fabric employing recycled carbon fibers.

Panty liners prevent bacterial vaginosis

Worldwide, almost one third of women of childbearing age suffer from bacterial vaginosis. This is when the sensitive microbiome of the vagina becomes unbalanced. Such a disorder of the vaginal flora can cause urogenital infections, abscesses on the ovaries or fallopian tubes or premature births. This significantly increases the risk of infertility in women and of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or HIV.

PERFORMANCE DAYS sets benchmarks with record attendance & strong industry presence

With around 4,500 professional visitors and 515 exhibitors, PERFORMANCE DAYS closed its doors on October 30, 2025, after two highly successful days in Munich. Expanded show areas, an international audience, a top-class Expert Talks program, and an inspiring DAY 0 Conference with an innovative concept underlined one thing clearly: PERFORMANCE DAYS has become the leading business platform for the functional textile industry.