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#Raw Materials

Global stocks decrease

World Cotton Supply and Distribution (c) 2018 ICAC
In 2017/18, world cotton production is estimated at 26.6 million tonnes while world mill use is projected at 25.5 million tonnes, which represents the third consecutive season of growth in demand for cotton. As a result, world ending stocks are forecasted to decrease to 18.3 million tonnes representing the fourth consecutive season of diminishing global reserves. The decline occurs within China where stocks at the end the 2017/18 season are projected down to 8 million tonnes.

Stocks held outside of China are projected up to 10.3 million tonnes, a continuous increase over the past four consecutive seasons. Along with weather issues in the Xinjiang region which represents 75% of China’s cotton area and potential drought conditions in West Texas affecting 25% of the US crop, there may be concern of quality supply gaps which may affect next seasons supply.

World cotton consumption is projected to increase to 26.7 million tonnes in 2018/19, while world cotton production is estimated at 25.7 million tonnes. Production in China is projected to decrease to 5.6 million tonnes in 2018/19 based on reduced planting area, while consumption is forecasted to increase to 8.4 million tonnes. US production is projected to decrease to 4.2 million tonnes with exports projected to increase 3% to 3.3 million tonnes in 2018/19.

Reduced yields in 2017/18 in India are contributing to lowered planted area for 2018/19 with exports projected at 840,000 tonnes representing a 24% decrease from the previous season. Production in Brazil for the 2017/18 season is estimated to be 1.9 million tonnes, a 26% increase from 2016/17, with 900,000 tonnes projected for export. Production for the West Africa region in 2017/18 is projected at 1.2 million tonnes, representing a 13% growth from the previous season, with exports for the region expected at 1.04 million tonnes.

More News from International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)

#Natural Fibers

ICAC to collaborate with Uzbekistan and Bizpando on regenerative agriculture

The Government of Uzbekistan has allocated 55,000 hectares of land to implement a regenerative agriculture program for cotton as part of a collaborative project with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and Bizpando, a company with a a blockchain-based internet platform designed to ensure supply chain compliance.

#Natural Fibers

Bangladesh becomes World's largest importer in 2024/25 after China cuts imports by 65% to 1.1 million tonnes

As we prepare to turn the calendar on 2025, world cotton lint production currently is estimated to be about 25.4 million tonnes — roughly the same as the last season — surpassing the world cotton lint consumption by 392,000 tonnes.

#Natural Fibers

ICAC announces postponement of the 83rd Plenary Meeting in Tanzania

Due to unforeseen circumstances arising from the recent developments in Tanzania, the ICAC has announced that its upcoming 83rd Plenary Meeting has been postponed. Scheduled for Nov. 17-20 in Mwanza, the delay was recommended by Tanzania, and the decision was made out of an abundance of caution, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants.

#Natural Fibers

World Cotton Trade declined 4.1% in 2024/25, according to ICAC's 2025 World Cotton Trade Report

Washington, DC — The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has released the 2025 World Cotton Trade Report, which covers trade developments in raw cotton since 1980. An annual publication, it provides analysis of world trade by region; import/export projections by country; matrices of trade flows; and seasonal estimates of export commitments to date.

More News on Raw Materials

#Natural Fibers

38th International Cotton Conference Bremen: Let´s Talk about Cotton!

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, to be held on 25-27 March 2026 in Bremen’s parliament building on market square, once again sends a powerful signal for professional excellence and international dialogue. The focus is on the latest market trends and technical innovations throughout the entire value chain – from agriculture and quality assurance to processing and the circular economy. With its high-calibre speakers, the conference remains an indispensable forum for anyone involved in shaping the cotton industry scientifically, technically, or economically.

#Natural Fibers

Human Rights Day: Cotton made in Africa reinforces its commitment to ensuring respect for human rights in cotton production

The sustainable cotton standard Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) has always focussed on respect for human rights, including by prohibiting child labour and discrimination. With the new version of the CmiA standard coming into force, AbTF raises requirements for due diligence in the areas of human rights and risk management.

#Research & Development

How innovations drive BASF’s success

“Innovation has always been part of BASF’s DNA. Especially in these volatile times, it is crucial to leverage our innovative strength to develop competitive solutions that differentiate us as a company in our markets and give us a competitive edge,” said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF and Chief Technology Officer, at the company’s Research Press Briefing held today. To achieve this, BASF implemented its “Winning Ways” strategy about a year ago with the clear goal of becoming the preferred chemical company to enable its customers’ green transformation.

#Natural Fibers

38th International Cotton Conference Bremen launches registration and unveils key topics

Participants can now register online for the 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, which will be held on 25-27 March 2026 at the Haus der Bürgerschaft parliament building on market square. All visitors can look forward to a high-calibre conference programme, numerous additional meetings and a valuable exchange of knowledge and information. The comprehensive range of topics covering the entire value chain will provide practical expertise, address current developments, answer key industry questions, and provide new impetus for the future.

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#Functional Fabrics

PERFORMANCE DAYS: Focus topic shifts to the beginning of the value chain

Following the last Focus Topic in October 2025, which placed Textile-to-Textile Recycling at its core, PERFORMANCE DAYS continues to drive the conversation around circularity – this time with an expanded and more upstream perspective. The upcoming Focus Topic, “Textile to Textile: The Role of Collectors and Sorters,” presented during the spring edition on March 18–19, will spotlight one of the most essential yet often overlooked components of a functioning circular textile system: the efficient collection and sorting of post-consumer textiles.

#Knitting & Hosiery

Proven performance, optimised costs – the new RE 6 EL

Nowadays textile companies increasingly need to produce small production runs and respond to market changes with instantaneous pattern changes in order to operate profitably – meaning they require machines that offer maximum flexibility, reliability and cost efficiency. KARL MAYER understands the challenges of the market and is launching its new RE 6 EL. The Raschel machine offers the core strengths of the classic RSE 6 EL and essentially the same performance parameters, but has been further cost-optimised largely due to local production advantages. This makes the newcomer an efficiency champion in production, especially when it comes to frequent pattern changes.

#Associations

European business associations celebrate the signature of the EU-Mercosur FTA

The 17th January marks a historic milestone with the signing of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, creating the biggest trading block in the world. European business – represented by more than 28 associations across a wide range of sectors – warmly welcomes this signature. It sends a strong and timely signal that the EU remains open and is committed to rules-based global trade. In a time of global uncertainty, this agreement is a key growth booster.

#Carpets

New DOMOTEX impresses across the Board – A complete success

Full halls, innovative products, new synergies, numerous positive discussions, and successful business deals shaped the past four days of the fair. With its new concept, DOMOTEX has reinvented itself and was able to impress both exhibitors and visitors on every level.

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