#Raw Materials

2021-11-04

Production is poised for full recovery with a 6% increase expected for 2021/22

To say the 2020/21 season was disappointing for the cotton industry is a major understatement, given the mayhem and confusion that occurred when the Covid-19 virus ground the global supply chain to a halt.

Highlights from the November 2021 Cotton This Month include:

• World production is poised to show a 6% year-over-year increase vs 2020/21

• The surge is being led by three of the world's top five producers: USA, Brazil and Pakistan

• West Africa is poised to post an amazing 48% increase vs the prior season

While it would be naïve to say things are back to normal — only about 3% of people in less-developed countries have been vaccinated, far behind those in richer countries — there are some signs that the recovery is in full swing.

Three of the world’s top five producers (Brazil, Pakistan and the USA) are showing increases in production vs 2020/21 and while that won’t quite bring things back to ‘normal’, it is a sign that the industry’s recovery is still in full swing. Current projections show an increase of 6% in global production in 2021/22 vs the prior season.

Nowhere is that more evident than in West Africa, where all countries are reporting production increases, with the region being up nearly 48% vs the 2020/21 season.

The Secretariat’s current price forecast of the season-average A index for 2021/22 ranges from 87 cents to 126 cents, with a midpoint at 104.26 cents per pound.

Cotton This Month is published at the beginning of the month with the Cotton Update published mid-month. The Cotton Update, which is included in the Cotton This Month subscription, is a mid-month report with updated information on supply/demand estimates and prices. The next Cotton Update will be released on 15 November 2021. The next Cotton This Month will be released on 1 December 2021.

If you are a subscriber to ‘Cotton This Month’, please access your account with your user name and password by clicking here:

https://www.icac.org/Publications/PublicationsFooterLogin

To subscribe to ‘Cotton This Month’, please click here, then click ‘Paid Publications’ and select the version you want to subscribe to:

https://www.icac.org/Publications?MenuId=41

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.

Circulose resumes recycling of discarded cotton textiles and appoints interim CEO

Circulose today announced its restart of commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The Ortviken plant is the world’s first commercial-scale chemical textile recycling facility. Its restart demonstrates that the fashion industry is seeking ways to scale proven solutions that move beyond pilots and into commercial production.

Itema brings textile versatility to ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026

Itema announces its participation in ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026, taking place November 20–24 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. In Hall 3 – Stand D06, the company will showcase two Galileo-RX rapier weaving machines weaving heavy denim and conveyor belt fabrics, demonstrating its ability to address different textile requirements with application-specific configurations. Five additional Itema machines at partner booths will extend the exhibition lineup to upper shoe fabric, label, Jacquard leno fabrics, and shirting, offering visitors a broader view of Itema rapier and air-jet weaving technologies.

Brückner showcases sustainable technologies for the future of textile finishing at ITMA ASIA 2026

With rising energy costs, increasing environmental requirements, and growing competitive pressure, textile manufacturers worldwide are facing the challenge of making their production processes both more sustainable and more cost-effective. As one of the world's leading specialists in textile finishing machinery, Brückner will present innovative solutions and advanced production technologies at ITMA ASIA 2026 in Shanghai. These technologies can play a key role in significantly reducing both energy consumption and emissions.