#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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Monforts ready for India’s next phase of textile growth at ITME 2026

Advanced finishing, coating and energy-efficient processing will be highlighted by Monforts at India ITME 2026, as the region’s textile manufacturers increasingly look beyond volume production towards higher-value fabrics. The German finishing machinery specialist sees considerable potential in India as investment continues in conventional apparel and home textiles alongside rapidly developing markets for technical textiles, activewear, sportswear, filtration and automotive applications.

Vandewiele to showcase weaving innovations and automation solutions at ITMA Asia 2026

At ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026, taking place from November 20 to 24 in Shanghai, Vandewiele will present a broad range of technologies for weaving, carpet manufacturing, tufting, yarn processing and automation. The company's innovations focus on increasing productivity, improving process efficiency, reducing resource consumption and providing greater flexibility in textile manufacturing. Visitors can explore the latest developments at Booth D01 in Hall 3 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC).

KARL MAYER expands TM WEFT capabilities for fashion fabrics at ITMA ASIA 2026

A new E 36 gauge, an EL pattern drive and improved yarn tension regulation extend the application possibilities of KARL MAYER's TM WEFT warp knitting machine. At ITMA ASIA 2026, the company will demonstrate the developments alongside a collection of woven-like warp knitted fabrics for fashion and apparel.