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#Raw Materials

‘Cotton: Review of the world situation’ tackles policy, tariffs, innovation and zimbabwe’s cotton sector

The March 2019 ‘Cotton: Review of the World Situation’ addresses four areas of significant interest to the global cotton community, including an analysis of the 2018 US Farm Bill on cotton support, the impact of global tariffs on cotton trade, the latest innovations in cotton and textiles, and an overview of Zimbabwe’s cotton sector.

US Farm Bill: The 2018 Farm Bill marks a significant change in cotton farm policies, from mostly insurance programs to a guaranteed and enhanced safety net and payments based on reference price, similar to the counter-cyclical payments that were in effect under the 2008 Farm Bill. This change will mean a significant increase in support to upland cotton production.

Trade tariffs: Talks between the USA and China are ongoing but there is little consensus on how things are expected to end. World cotton trade is expected to expand by 3.5% in 2018/19. China — one of the world’s top importers — is looking for new markets to source from, while the USA — the world’s largest exporter — is looking for new markets for its fibre. Major trade flows between origins and destinations might be shifting, but overall trade is expected to increase.  


Cotton and textile innovation: Many of the new developments introduced by Cotton Incorporated’s Product Development Department revolve around sustainability and performance, because those characteristics are major drivers in the textile space — and are likely to remain front and centre of decision-making for a while.

Zimbabwe’s cotton sector: Cotton is the country’s second most important agricultural export, after tobacco, and the crop supports more than 300,000 farmers — many of them in low-rainfall areas where very few other crops could grow.


More News from International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)

#Natural Fibers

"Review" examines the outlooks for seven major cotton producers

The newest issue of Cotton: Review of the World Situation provides an in-depth look at how seven important cotton-producing countries are responding to changing markets, rising production costs, climate pressures, evolving technologies, and growing demands for quality and sustainability.

#Natural Fibers

Global cotton trade poised for recovery as India and China drive import demand

The July 2026 issue of Cotton This Month highlights a changing global cotton market, with consumption and trade expected to strengthen despite a modest decline in production during the 2026/27 season. The next issue of Cotton This Month will be released on August 1, 2026.

#Natural Fibers

Organic cotton at the crossroads: Ideology, evidence, and the road ahead

Organic cotton occupies one of the most contentious spaces in global agriculture. While praised by brands and consumers for its environmental ideals, it also faces persistent questions about yield stability, certification integrity, and scalability. The current edition of The ICAC Recorder cuts through the ideology to deliver a rigorous, evidence-based assessment of both sides of the debate.

#Raw Materials

CSITC adds ABRAPA as a round trial sample provider

Beginning with the Q2 2026 Round Trials, the ICAC's Committee on the Commercial Standardization of Instrument Testing of Cotton has expanded its sample provision framework by adding the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (ABRAPA) as an official sample provider.

More News on Raw Materials

#Natural Fibers

Better Cotton Initiative multistakeholder event in US unpacks regenerative agriculture potential

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), in collaboration with Texas-based partner, Quarterway Cotton Growers, will expand upon its annual US field event to relay the vast potential of regenerative agriculture through an immersive experience of tours and demonstrations.

#Sustainability

The first widely accessible Life Cycle Assessment study for cashmere production published by Textile Exchange.

Crucial new data to better understand, measure, and address the impacts of cashmere production has been made available to the fashion, textile, and apparel industry through a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) published by Textile Exchange.

#Raw Materials

AMSilk and Ajinomoto Foods Europe expand partnership to enable industrial-scale production of silk proteins

AMSilk GmbH (“AMSilk”), a global leader leader in biotech produced silk materials, today announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Europe (AFE), marking a key step in scaling the industrial production of its silk proteins. Building on the collaboration first established in 2023, the two companies have now entered into a long-term manufacturing and supply agreement, enabling the transition from industrial validation to dedicated, large-scale production.

#Natural Fibers

Cotton made in Africa partners receive top marks in independent verifications

Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) and CmiA Organic are two internationally recognised standards that aim to promote sustainable development in the African cotton sector south of the Sahara. To ensure the standards’ credibility among brands, retailers, and consumers, independent verifiers evaluate compliance on the ground. The verification results for 2025, now published in the Aggregated Verification & Implementation Report, were very strong: The verifiers awarded consistently very good remarks regarding management, people, prosperity, and the environment.

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#Digital Printing

Where every detail counts: Experiential applications of DTF and UV-DTF printing

Personalisation has moved far beyond the traditional logo on a t-shirt. Today, brands want to create complete experiences, where every detail – from clothing and accessories to décor and packaging – feels distinctive and reflective of their identity.

#Europe

The Digital Product Passport registry is now live

On 20 July, the European Commission launched the Digital Product Passport Registry together with a testing environment, marking an important milestone in making the Digital Product Passport (DPP) a practical reality for businesses placing products on the EU market.

#Europe

EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

#Recycled Fibers

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.

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