#Natural Fibers

2025-06-05

The ICAC releases its 2025/26 world cotton market projections

The ICAC's 2025/26 season projections are holding steady as we begin June, with cotton production and consumption projected to be around 26 million tonnes and 25.7 million tonnes, respectively, while trade is forecasted to rebound to reach 9.7 million tonnes.

In terms of production by region, ICAC is posting upward revisions for Brazil, USA, and the West African region — but they are likely to be negated by slight reduction from China in 2025/26.

After China's exceptional yields of 2257 kg/ha — the highest levels ever recorded — the ICAC projects that China will produce about 6.3 million tonnes of cotton, which is slightly less than the current season but still the most in the world.

Consumption is expected to remain under pressure, given the upcoming tariff escalations, regulatory concerns, and fiber market competition. World cotton trade is projected to rebound by 2% to reach 9.65 million tonnes due to increased stocks from the current season and projected mill demand, but trade deals and tariffs may have an impact on the cotton trade next season.

The Secretariat’s current price forecast for the 2024/25 season average A Index stands at 81 cents per pound. For 2025/26, the preliminary price forecast, based on current supply and demand estimates, ranges from 56 to 95 cents per pound, with a midpoint of 73 cents. Price Projections are made by Ms. Lorena Ruiz, ICAC Economist.

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.

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.

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.

Better Cotton Initiative opens enrollment in the US with promising opportunities for producers

Producer enrollment for the US Program of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is open until May 15 for the 2026-2027 season. With over 2,600 members spanning the cotton supply chain and more than 11,000 users of its Better Cotton Platform (BCP) as of 2025, BCI’s standard is implemented in 15 countries and covers one fifth of global cotton production.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Provest Equity Partners and CTW Venture Partners announce strategic joint investment in Natural Fiber Welding Inc.

Natural Fiber Welding Inc. (“NFW”), a pioneer in high-performance, plant-based materials, today announced a strategic investment from Provest Equity Partners, made jointly with CTW Venture Partners (“CTW”). The investment supports NFW’s next phase as the company accelerates commercialization and global scale of its breakthrough climate-tech, low-carbon materials platform.

Epson launches SureColor G9000: high-production Direct-To-Film printer delivering greater productivity and reliability

Epson today announces the launch of the SureColor G9000, a new high-production Direct-To-Film (DTFilm) printer designed to meet growing global demand for flexible and efficient textile transfer printing. Expanding Epson’s DTFilm line-up alongside the SC-G6000, the SC-G9000 introduces enhanced speed, reliability and ease of maintenance for commercial garment decorators and textile producers.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at GMMSA Expo India

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Indian sales representative Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services, Ltd., will participate in the upcoming Garments Machinery Manufacturers & Suppliers Association (GMMSA) Expo India 2026 exhibition to be held in Ludhiana, India next month. Through its lineup at GMMSA, SHIMA SEIKI aims to further strengthen its presence within the Indian market with an exhibit that caters to diverse needs, consisting of seam-free WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology as well as a brand-new shaping machine with high productivity and excellent cost performance.