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#Raw Materials

The European Union (EU) is now a member of ICAC

The membership of the EU in the ICAC is of strategic significance to the world cotton industry and the 150 million people involved in cotton production, marketing and processing each season. Some of the most important trade and research institutions in the world of cotton are headquartered in the EU.

In the current season, the EU is the 11th largest producer and 6th largest exporter of cotton, and the EU is the largest market for textiles in the world. The European Union itself, and many individual countries and companies within the EU, are significant providers of cotton-specific development assistance in recipient countries.

Following the vote of the European Parliament on May 16, the Council of the European Union approved the accession of the EU to the ICAC on May 18, 2017, the final step needed to complete the accession process. H.E. Ambassador Pierre Clive Agius of Malta (Malta currently holding the rotating Presidency of the EU) formally presented the Instrument of Accession to Minister (Trade) Ali Tahir of the Embassy of Pakistan and ranking member of the ICAC Standing Committee on May 24, 2017.




The Standing Committee confirmed the membership of the EU at its 549th Meeting.

The European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, commented: "The EU's accession to the International Cotton Advisory Committee is an important step, coming only one month after we presented a set of focused actions to make value chains in the garment sector more sustainable. As a member, we will continue to work for a sustainable and inclusivecotton sector, ensuring decent jobs for all. Cotton is important both to the EU's economy and our development cooperation with cotton producing countries."


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#Raw Materials

ICAC International Seminar in Taipei to explore strategic synergies across the textile supply chain

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#Raw Materials

World Cotton Day 2026 to bring global cotton and textile community to Tashkent on October 7

The Government of Uzbekistan and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) will host the official World Cotton Day 2026 Partners Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on October 7.

#Natural Fibers

2026 ICAC report projects World cotton trade to reach 10.3 million tonnes by 2028/29

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#Natural Fibers

"Review" examines the outlooks for seven major cotton producers

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#Raw Materials

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

#Raw Materials

Better Cotton Initiative partners with Avalo in AI plant breeding for climate-resilient cotton

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#Raw Materials

Aid by Trade Foundation presents annual report for 2025: Market position and impact of sustainably verified natural fibres strengthened

Despite global supply chain challenges, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) was able to further expand its international role in promoting sustainably verified natural fibres in 2025. In doing so, the foundation remains true to its fundamental approach of leveraging market forces. Last year, it generated total revenues of EUR 7.8 million; this included EUR 6.7 million collected through the successful marketing of four standards: Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), CmiA Organic, The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS). AbTF invested the resulting income in projects aiming to protect biodiversity, support women, increase transparency in the textile supply chain, and implement its verification system.

#Raw Materials

Cotton Brazil Dialogues field trip brings international stakeholders closer to Brazil’s cotton production chain

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#Man-Made Fibers

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

#Natural Fibers

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.

#Man-Made Fibers

Bemberg and Anita Dongre collaborate once again to launch “BREATH” collection

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#Weaving

"Dynamic markets do not only create uncertainty – they also create opportunities."

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