#Raw Materials

2019-04-11

Positive outlook despite ongoing risks – Cotton consumption at record high

The cotton industry is facing continued uncertainty as a result of the unsolved trade row between the USA and China. Global economic growth is slowing down, while at the same time, demand for cotton is losing momentum.

Nevertheless, the International Cotton Advisory Committee’s 2019/20 forecast shows world cotton consumption at a record high level of 27.3 million tonnes, an increase of 1.4 % compared to the previous season. In addition to the increase in the world’s population, the competitive price of cotton in relation to polyester is also a significant factor in increasing cotton consumption.

Increases in worldwide acreage and production are also expected in 2019/20 as farmers, especially in the United States, China, India and Pakistan respond to favourable cotton prices compared to competing crops. As a result, the ICAC predicts that global production will increase to 27.6 million tonnes, an increase of 5.7 % compared to the previous season. This forecast is supported by a six percent rise in global yields to 817 Kg/ha.

This means that production is currently forecast to slightly exceed consumption, which is expected to result in end stock levels increasing by 1.5 % to 17.7 million tonnes by the end of 2019/20 season.

According to the ICAC price model, the Cotlook A Index will average 81.25 cents per pound in the upcoming season. The Cotlook A Index reflects the price movements of raw cotton, with a focus on deliveries in Asia. The ICAC’s projection would be lower than the Cotlook A Index of 88 cents/lb in 2018/19 and 83 cents/lb in 2017/18. The CIF Bremen price index for cotton on the European northern continent stood at 88.85 US cents/lb on 3 April. The CIF Bremen index reflects the daily value of cotton and is published by the ‘Committee for Standards, for the Determination of Value Differences and for Price Quotations’ at the Bremen Cotton Exchange.

Bremen Cotton Exchange: Fritz A. Grobien re-elected as President

The members of the Bremen Cotton Exchange have re-elected Fritz A. Grobien as President during the association’s 152nd General Assembly on June 18, 2026. The election confirms the organization’s commitment to maintaining its role as a leading international platform for the cotton and fiber industry amid a period of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

A Powerful Opening: Global thought leaders launch the International Cotton Conference Bremen

The International Cotton Conference Bremen will open on 25 March 2026 in the Parliament building of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen with a keynote session of exceptional calibre. Distinguished international experts will set the stage for the conference by offering incisive perspectives on the most pressing challenges and the defining trends shaping the future of the global cotton trade. Their insights will span a broad spectrum — from geopolitically driven disruptions affecting global supply chains to the opportunities emerging from innovation-led agriculture capable of supporting a growing world population. Together, these opening keynotes will frame the dialogue of the conference, highlighting both the complexity of today’s market environment and the pathways toward a resilient and forward-looking cotton sector.

Beyond Cotton: Natural Fibres in the Spotlight at the Bremen Cotton Conference - Branded by DNFI

Climate targets, fragile supply chains, and rising regulatory requirements are fundamentally changing the perspective of the textile industry - the focus is increasingly shifting toward the base material. Not only cotton, but natural fibres are gaining significant importance: they stand out not only because of their outstanding functional properties, but also because they make a valuable contribution to the bioeconomy and responsible product development.

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.

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).

SHIMA SEIKI to showcase flat knitting and digital design solutions at Egypt Stitch & Tex

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its sales representative in Egypt, TTS (EL MASRIA FOR TRADE & TECHNICAL SERVICES), will participate in the upcoming 24th International Exhibition for Textile & Carpet Machineries, Printing Technologies and Accessories (Egypt Stitch & Tex) to be held in Cairo, Egypt this month.

EURATEX calls for urgent action on industrial competitiveness

EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, welcomes today’s State of the Union Address by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and in particular her recognition of Europe’s need to rebalance unfair trade, cut red tape, and strengthen its industrial and strategic autonomy.

Coats Digital launches AI-powered GSD RealMotion for motion analysis

Coats Digital has launched GSD RealMotion, an AI-powered solution designed to provide apparel manufacturers with greater visibility into factory-floor operations. By analysing shop-floor video and applying Coats Digital’s GSD methodology, the solution turns video recordings into structured, motion-by-motion method studies.