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#Raw Materials

Cotton Review: the 2018/19 season featured rollercoaster prices, with decreasing production, area and yields

Global stocks at the start of the 2018/19 season were 1% higher than the previous season at an estimated 18.7 million tonnes. At 84 cents per pound, the international reference price of cotton was lower than the previous season’s ending average of 88 cents per pound.

Highlights from the latest ‘Review’ regarding the 2018/19 season include:

  • The year started with rising prices and ended with falling prices
  • Global area decreased by 1% to 32.6 million hectares (ha) and yield declined 2% to 790 kg/ha
  • World production slipped 3% to 25.7 million tonnes
  • More than half of global stocks (52%) are now being held outside of China
  • After a few years of relative calm, world agricultural markets face policy uncertainty and trade tensions

After a 99.5 cent per pound price at the start of the season, prices fell throughout the year. Global area under cotton decreased by 1% to 32.6 million hectares. Global yield decreased slightly by 2% to 790 kg/ha but remained above the ten-year average of 776 kg/ha. As a result, global production decreased by 3% to 25.7 million tonnes.


Weakening economic growth amidst trade issues set the environment for a decrease in consumption with a near 1% loss to 26.2 million tonnes. With consumption exceeding production, global ending stocks for the season decreased by 2% to 18.3 million tonnes.

As ending stock levels in China lowered, the ratio of stocks held in China and stocks held outside of China inverted with 52% of global stocks now being held outside of China. Trade in cotton lint increased by 2% to 9.2 million tonnes with the USA, Brazil, West Africa and Australia leading in global exports.

New uncertainties have emerged in addition to the usual risks facing agriculture. Following several years of relatively calm market conditions, world agricultural markets today face mounting risks, including policy uncertainty from trade tensions. Open, transparent and predictable trade is important for the cotton market and its role as an important commodity in the global economy.


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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#People

Happy Holidays!

Dear reader, the year 2025 is drawing to a close. We are entering what we hope will be a peaceful holiday season, spending time with our families and taking a moment to pause and reflect. We hope we have been able to support you once again this year with relevant news and articles, and we look forward to surprising you with many innovations in the coming year. Enjoy the festive season, stay healthy, and we wish you a happy and joyful holiday season.

#Weaving

Lindauer Dornier announces leadership transition in weaving machine business

After more than ten successful years at Lindauer DORNIER GmbH, Mr Wolfgang Schöffl will leave the family-owned company at the end of the year to enter well-deserved retirement.

#Heimtextil 2026

Texpertise Focus AI: Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence centre stage at its international textile and apparel trade fairs

Under the banner 'Texpertise Focus AI, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

#Technical Textiles

Autoneum and Polestar set new benchmarks for passenger experience and sustainability

As the global market leader in sustainable acoustic and thermal management, Autoneum is a key supplier of interior and exterior components for the highly anticipated Polestar 5 model. The successful collaboration between Autoneum and Polestar marks a significant milestone in sustainable automotive engineering: the electric grand tourer sports car features several innovations in lightweight, fully recyclable polyester-based components that ensure a superior driving experience. Polestar 5 was revealed at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and is available in 24 markets.

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