#Raw Materials

2021-12-22

The ICAC releases its 2021 Annual Report

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has released its 2021 Annual Report covering the 2020-21 fiscal year. It is the third edition since the project was initiated for the first time when Executive Director Kai Hughes joined the ICAC in late 2017.

Executive Summary

The 2021 ICAC Annual Report:

Provides transparency and accountability, especially in financial areas, and highlights projects, goals and initiatives for the coming year

Profiles the ICAC’s Committees, Delegates, Coordinating Agencies and Standing Committee Officers

Introduces multiple new editorial elements including the ICAC Value Proposition; Advantages of Hosting a Plenary Meeting; 'Meet the Secretariat' and more

Includes the Final Statement from the just-completed, fully virtual 79thPlenary Meeting

‘We want to ensure that the ICAC is both transparent and accountable for its efforts over the prior 12 months’, Mr. Hughes said. ‘We have a vision for what we want to accomplish over the next few years, but a vision alone isn't enough. This Annual Report provides information to our members about the ICAC’s past performance and future goals and it also reports back on our Strategic Plan — the document that all members of the Secretariat use to guide their efforts over the coming three years’.

The ICAC Annual Report contains a wealth of information, including:

A variety of metrics that will serve as a baseline for future performance, including Actual vs Budgeted performance, how money was spent and progress made on social media platforms;

Columns from the heads of ICAC Committees that detail their efforts from the past year and offer their vision for the future;

The 2020-22 ICAC Communications Plan, which guides both internal and external initiatives and communications,

A variety of new editorial elements — the ICAC Value Proposition, Advantages to Hosting a Plenary Meeting, and two 'Meet the Secretariat' entries for the brand-new positions added in 2021, Head of Textiles and Data Scientist.

The Final Statement from the 79th Plenary Meeting, which was fully virtual and held from 6-9 December 2021.

A PDF has been posted and you can view it here:

https://www.icac.org/Content/CFCDocument/Pdf3702fe01_bc2f_4055_883a_b200120ac780/2021%20Annual%20Report%20FINAL%20website.pdf

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.

Global cotton production projected to outpace consumption, but risks remain

Global cotton production is projected to reach 26.2 million tonnes in the 2026/27 season, marginally outpacing estimated consumption of 25.9 million tonnes. However, early-season production risks — including weather volatility and pest pressures — could narrow that buffer as the crop progresses, according to the September 2026 issue of Cotton This Month, published by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

Global garment trade nears USD 550 billion as competition intensifies

The global garment industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades, with knit and woven garments together accounting for nearly 60% of world textile exports in 2025, according to the August 2026 issue of The Textiles Observer, a free publication from the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

Cotton Brazil Dialogues 2026 concludes with 50 international participants immersed in Brazilian cotton production

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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.

SHIMA SEIKI to showcase flat knitting and digital design solutions at Egypt Stitch & Tex

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EURATEX calls for urgent action on industrial competitiveness

EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, welcomes today’s State of the Union Address by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and in particular her recognition of Europe’s need to rebalance unfair trade, cut red tape, and strengthen its industrial and strategic autonomy.

Coats Digital launches AI-powered GSD RealMotion for motion analysis

Coats Digital has launched GSD RealMotion, an AI-powered solution designed to provide apparel manufacturers with greater visibility into factory-floor operations. By analysing shop-floor video and applying Coats Digital’s GSD methodology, the solution turns video recordings into structured, motion-by-motion method studies.