#Natural Fibers

2025-09-04

Decreasing production and the critical role of traceability

Cotton production estimates have decreased significantly since last month, dropping from 25.9 million tonnes to 25.5 million tonnes, while shifts in trade patterns and demands from retailers and brands are making cotton's origin increasingly important.

The decrease in production is largely coming from three countries: the United States (-400,000 tonnes), Pakistan (-100,000 tonnes), and Sudan (-50,000 tonnes). Water shortages and unusually dry weather are the issues for the US and Pakistan, while Sudan's crop damage is the result of pest infestations.

Although consumption and trade numbers are largely unchanged from last month, import and export partners are shifting. China accounted for 40% of US cotton exports in 2023/24, but that number has dropped to 8% as the US has increased its trade with Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey, and India. Those changes — combined with a US executive order that allows products made from US raw materials to be exempted from import tariffs — mean textile manufacturers must provide traceability. Retailers and brands are increasingly demanding traceability as well.

There are two other notable developments since last month:

+ India’s levels of cotton lint imports increased by nearly 3.3 times in 2024/25 compared to the prior season.

+ Bangladesh and India are expected to increase their US imports.

ICAC data rectification process

The ICAC Secretariat is undertaking data rectification work, during which we will perform data adjustments for all our reported regions and countries. ICAC is the primary source for all of our statistical data. For this month, changes to cotton market variables have been made for Ethiopia from 2014/15 to the present, and the projected season. The data has been updated using information from the Ethiopian Cotton Organization, Ethiopia Revenue and Customs Service, and the Trade Data Monitor.

ICAC’s Statistical Data Portal

For the most current statistics, please refer to the ICAC’s Statistics Portal. It is updated with new data constantly, and that new information is immediately reflected in the Portal, making it a valuable resource all month long.

ICAC’s Price Projections

The Secretariat’s current price forecast for the 2025/26 season, based on current supply and demand estimates, ranges from 60 to 96 cents per pound, with a midpoint of 76 cents per pound. ICAC’s 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.