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#Raw Materials

Global consumption growth projected to slow to 0.04% in 2018/19

Global cotton consumption is projected to post its third straight year of growth — but just barely, with an expected increase of only 0.04%.

Many of the top consuming countries are undergoing a slowing in consumption growth, including:

  • East Asia — 6%, down from 14% the year before
  • Bangladesh — 7%, down from 15% in 2017/18
  • Vietnam — 3%, down from seven straight seasons of double-digit growth.

After posting 15% growth in 2017/18, China is expected to see its consumption growth slow by 8%.

On the other end of the spectrum are Turkey, Indonesia and Uzbekistan, all of which are projected to increase their consumption by double digits. India is expected to expand its mill-use as well, although by only 1%.

The future of US-China trade tariffs remains uncertain, and while they might soon be lifted, they might also be increased. That lack of clarity is making it difficult for growers in the Northern Hemisphere to make their planting decisions for the coming season.

(c) 2019 ICAC
(c) 2019 ICAC


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#Raw Materials

Global cotton production projected to outpace consumption, but risks remain

Global cotton production is projected to reach 26.2 million tonnes in the 2026/27 season, marginally outpacing estimated consumption of 25.9 million tonnes. However, early-season production risks — including weather volatility and pest pressures — could narrow that buffer as the crop progresses, according to the September 2026 issue of Cotton This Month, published by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

#Natural Fibers

Global garment trade nears USD 550 billion as competition intensifies

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#Raw Materials

ICAC International Seminar in Taipei to explore strategic synergies across the textile supply chain

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#Raw Materials

World Cotton Day 2026 to bring global cotton and textile community to Tashkent on October 7

The Government of Uzbekistan and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) will host the official World Cotton Day 2026 Partners Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on October 7.

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#Raw Materials

Cotton Brazil Dialogues 2026 concludes with 50 international participants immersed in Brazilian cotton production

The Cotton Brazil Dialogues concludes its 2026 edition after a series of technical visits to farms, cotton gins and reference centers, as well as workshops focused on Brazilian cotton production. A total of 50 participants from 14 countries took part in the field trips. The initiative is led by the Brazilian Association of Cotton Growers (Abrapa) and the National Association of Cotton Exporters (Anea), with support from the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

#Raw Materials

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

#Raw Materials

Better Cotton Initiative partners with Avalo in AI plant breeding for climate-resilient cotton

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has partnered with agriculture solutions company Avalo, whose platform accelerates the speed at which plants with key resiliency traits may be developed.

#Raw Materials

Aid by Trade Foundation presents annual report for 2025: Market position and impact of sustainably verified natural fibres strengthened

Despite global supply chain challenges, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) was able to further expand its international role in promoting sustainably verified natural fibres in 2025. In doing so, the foundation remains true to its fundamental approach of leveraging market forces. Last year, it generated total revenues of EUR 7.8 million; this included EUR 6.7 million collected through the successful marketing of four standards: Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), CmiA Organic, The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS). AbTF invested the resulting income in projects aiming to protect biodiversity, support women, increase transparency in the textile supply chain, and implement its verification system.

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#Weaving

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#Research & Development

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#Composites

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#Textile chemistry

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