#Raw Materials

2017-09-04

Stable global stocks in 2017/18

In 2017/18, world cotton production and mill use are estimated at 25.1 million tons, which would result in a 9% increase in output and 2% rise in consumption. World cotton stocks are projected to remain stable at 18.5 million tons at the end of 2017/18, and, the world stock-to-use ratio is expected to be essentially unchanged at about 75%, or nine months of mill use.

The Chinese government sold over two million tons from its national cotton reserve from May to August 2017, lowering the reserve to around 6.3 million tons at the end of August 2017. China’s cotton stocks are forecast to decrease another 16% to 8.9 million tons, which would account for 48% of world stocks in 2017/18. Ending stocks held outside of China in 2017/18 are expected to increase by 22% to 9.6 million tons in 2017/18.

In 2017/18, world cotton area is projected to expand by 9% to 31.9 million hectares, and the world average yield is projected to remain unchanged at 789 kg/ha. With output projected to increase by 4% to 6 million tons, India will remain the world’s largest cotton producer in 2017/18. After four seasons of decline, China’s cotton production is expected to rise by 7% to 5.2 million tons. Cotton production in the United States is forecast to increase by 20% to 4.5 million tons. However, the full impact of the recent hurricane in Texas, where around 45% of U.S. production occurs, is still under assessment. Pakistan’s cotton production is projected to increase by 17% to 2 million tons.

After falling by 2% in 2015/16, global cotton consumption rose by 1% to 24.5 million tons in 2016/17, as world economic growth strengthened. In 2017/18, world cotton mill use is projected to increase by 2% to 25.1 million tons. Mill use in China is expected to grow by 1% to 8.1 million tons while India’s cotton consumption is projected to recover by 3% to 5.3 million tons in 2017/18.

Mill use in Bangladesh is projected to remain stable at 1.4 million tons in 2017/18 tons as widespread flooding in August 2017 has damaged infrastructure and made it difficult to transport goods throughout the country and to run businesses.

Dr N Vigneshwaran is named 2026 ICAC Researcher of the Year

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is pleased to announce the selection of Dr N Vigneshwaran, Principal Scientist and Head of the Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division at the ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT), Mumbai, India, as the ICAC Researcher of the Year 2026.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

New U.S. cotton study uses real-world grower data to reveal where fiber impacts occur

Cotton Incorporated has released a critically reviewed life cycle assessment (LCA) of U.S. cotton fiber production that examines how cotton’s environmental impacts are measured and where meaningful improvements can be made across the value chain. The new data, grounded in real‑world grower inputs, measures what drives U.S. cotton’s environmental footprint from field to gin.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

EDANA launches landmark continence report to mark the start of the World Continence Week

Today marks the official commencement of the World Continence Week. To honour this global awareness initiative, EDANA has published a comprehensive report titled "The Central Role of Absorbent Hygiene Products in the Management of Adult Urinary Incontinence: Benefits, Costs and Environmental Impact." The World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising public awareness about incontinence and bladder or bowel health issues. Traditionally held in June, this awareness week aims to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people worldwide but is frequently kept secret due to widespread social stigma, embarrassment, and taboo.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.

ITM 2026 makes happy participants with its international and qualified visitor profile

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious meeting points of the textile machinery sector, attracted attention in its first three days, particularly with its diverse international visitor numbers. Industry professionals from all over the world had the opportunity to closely examine the latest technology machines and solutions displayed in operation. Thousands of visitors from approximately 100 countries, primarily Egypt, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, met at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center for new investment and cooperation opportunities.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.