#Raw Materials

2019-03-21

‘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.

Global cotton consumption to exceed production in 2026/27 as Asian demand remains resilient

Global cotton consumption is projected to exceed production in the 2026/27 season as output declines across several major producing countries while demand remains relatively stable, according to the November edition of Cotton This Month, published by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

ICAC announces 84th Plenary Meeting in Egypt with focus on cotton industry resilience

Registration is now open for the International Cotton Advisory Committee’s 84th Plenary Meeting, which will take place from 24 to 26 March 2027 in Alexandria, Egypt. The conference will address climate resilience, technological developments, sustainability and competitiveness across the global cotton and textile value chain.

New Cotton Review examines competitiveness, market risk, and opportunities

From moving record volumes of Brazilian cotton to market, to managing price volatility, unlocking Ethiopia’s production potential, and strengthening African textile trade, the latest edition of Cotton: Review of the World Situation examines some of the most consequential opportunities and challenges facing the global cotton industry.

Kraig Labs ships first commercial spider silk yarn

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (“the Company”, “Kraig Labs”, or “Kraig’s”), a world leader in spider silk technology*, today announced the shipment of its first commercial order of recombinant spider silk yarn. The custom-engineered yarn was produced to fulfill a purchase commitment from a globally recognized performance sports brand and is slated for development into a first-of-its-kind performance textile.

ALLIED expands down traceability with lot-level carbon footprint data

ALLIED Feather + Down has expanded its TrackMyDown traceability platform to include validated cradle-to-gate carbon footprint data linked to individual down lots. The initiative is designed to provide brands and consumers with more detailed environmental information on the materials used in finished products and could also support future data requirements associated with Digital Product Passports.

ICAC’s 84th Plenary Meeting to be held March 24-26, 2027, in Alexandria, Egypt

Registration will soon be open for the International Cotton Advisory Committee’s 84th Plenary Meeting, to be held March 24-26, 2027, in Alexandria, Egypt. The local Organizing Committee in Egypt has chosen “Building a Resilient and Competitive Future for Cotton and Textiles” as the theme for the event, which will be held at the Rixos Montaza Alexandria Resort.

Lenzing improves profitability as strategic transformation gains momentum

The Lenzing Group reported improved operating profitability in the first nine months of 2026 despite declining revenue and a challenging market environment. Revenue decreased by 2.3 percent to EUR 1.93 billion, while adjusted EBITDA remained stable at EUR 353 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin increased from 17.9 percent to 18.3 percent, reflecting progress in the company's strategic transformation under its “Grow Nonwovens. Reset Textiles.” strategy.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris marks 30th anniversary with a redesigned exhibition concept

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will celebrate its 30th anniversary from 25 to 27 January 2027 at the Paris-Le-Bourget Exhibition Centre. With more than 1,000 international exhibitors expected, the anniversary edition will introduce a redesigned exhibition layout across Halls 3 and 4, bringing fabric manufacturers and garment producers closer together. The event will also highlight Spring-Summer 2028 trends, sustainable sourcing and new opportunities for international textile trade.