The session began with a presentation by Ms Parkhi Vats, ICAC Economic Affairs Officer, who provided a world cotton market outlook. She gave early projections on world production and consumption as well as import and export figures; provided an overview of recent trade deals and tariff negotiations; and offered comprehensive data on identity and specialty cottons, including long- and extra-long staple varieties.

Economist Ms Lorena Ruiz delivered a presentation on World Textile Fiber Demand as well as the Results of the ICAC Global Survey on Women in the Cotton Sector. Global textile fiber demand continues to grow in line with GDP and population, but this growth is largely driven by polyester, particularly in China. Geopolitical tensions and expensive energy are increasing production and trade costs. Strengthening cotton’s position will require productivity gains and clearer communication of sustainability efforts, with ICAC providing support through data and coordination. The 2024 ICAC survey on women in the cotton sector indicates that, despite existing labor policies, women remain underrepresented in leadership and concentrated in manual roles, with barriers such as limited access to resources and training requiring more systemic action.

Head of Textiles Mr Kanwar Usman delivered a presentation on “Textiles Strategy: Developing the Textiles Value Chain in Cotton-Rich Countries.” He focused on the investment required for various types of textiles facilities — spinning, weaving, processing, and garments — as well as the expected daily output of each, in metric tonnes.

Chief Scientist Dr Keshav Kranthi discussed the “Global Economics of Cotton Production,” highlighting the impressive capabilities of the ICAC’s Production Data Portal, including cost of production, fertilizer and pesticide use, cotton varieties, pest distribution, and much more (and all of it available free of charge). He also provided an overview of the massive, 872-page 2025 Cotton Data Book, which analyzes the sustainability of cotton production in 38 countries.

The final speaker was Director of Communications Mike McCue, who gave an overview of the ICAC’s Efforts on Cotton Promotion. He discussed the organization's activity on social media platforms — including the popular #TruthTuesday posts — the extensive support the ICAC provides for the global World Cotton Day activities held every October 7, and the need for industry stakeholders to collaborate to raise cotton's visibility and reputation. 

All of their individual presentations can be found here.