Australia’s Cotton Industry Holds Steady in 2025 Market
The Australian Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) reflects on a strong year of collaboration, crop recovery, and steady export momentum despite global challenges.
As ACSA prepares for its upcoming AGM and Summit later this month, the association highlights a year defined by global cooperation, resilient market performance, and continued advocacy for the Australian cotton industry. Despite macroeconomic pressures, Australia’s 2026 crop is off to an encouraging start, reinforcing optimism within the sector.
As Cliff White, Chair of ACSA, concludes his term, he reflects on a year of remarkable engagement across the Association’s members and partners. The upcoming AGM and ACSA Summit on November 26 will serve as a key platform for knowledge exchange and strategic discussion, featuring distinguished speakers Marcelo Duarte from Cotton Brazil and Marjory Walker from the National Cotton Council, USA. Their participation underscores the growing international collaboration shaping the global cotton industry.
White noted that ACSA’s global profile has strengthened significantly over the past year, with the Association playing an active role in the USA–Brazil–Australia MOU. Under CEO Jules Willis’ leadership, ACSA has successfully represented Australian interests in key international discussions — including efforts to delay India’s proposed quality specifications that could have hindered cotton imports.
A notable development has been the growing international alignment under the “Plant, Not Plastic” initiative, which promotes natural fibres as sustainable alternatives to synthetics. White emphasized that the solidarity emerging among global cotton producers offers renewed optimism for reversing the decline in global cotton consumption.
Market Overview
Cotton prices remain stable, fluctuating within the 65 to 69 cents range, with limited signs of near-term breakout due to broader macroeconomic headwinds. While market sentiment appears cautious, history suggests that such phases often precede unexpected recoveries. The 2026 crop, meanwhile, is off to a promising start, with early forward sales near $575 and targets set at $600.
Season in Review
According to Michael O’Rielley, the 2025 season exemplified both the promise and unpredictability of agriculture. After ideal early growing conditions, unseasonal rainfall disrupted what could have been a record year for fibre quality. Despite weather challenges, key fibre attributes such as length, strength, and micronaire remained strong, reflecting the resilience of Australian production standards.
- Colour Grade:
The 2025 season saw an unprecedented volume of lower-grade cotton, though Strict Middling production improved slightly from 2024. - Strength:
Around 90% of the crop measured 29 GPT or higher, a strong result with only minor reductions in top-end spans. - Micronaire:
87.82% of the crop achieved G5 micronaire readings (3.5–4.9), reaffirming Australia’s consistency in producing high-quality fibres. - Length:
While slightly below 2024 levels, over 50% of the crop produced 38 staple and above, maintaining premium-grade status.
Harvesting and ginning operations are virtually complete, with less than 50,000 bales left for classification. Despite late-season weather impacts, the Australian cotton sector continues to demonstrate operational efficiency and export reliability.
Export Update
Australian cotton exports for the 2025 season remained strong, with shipments continuing at a steady pace through September 30, 2025. The industry remains focused on sustaining market confidence and strengthening Australia’s reputation for reliable supply and high-quality fibre.
Industry Leadership & Collaboration
ACSA’s enhanced role in international forums and its advocacy for fair trade standards have reinforced Australia’s voice in global cotton policy discussions. Initiatives like Plant, Not Plastic reflect the sector’s proactive stance toward environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability.
Read Full Report here: Nov 2025 Market Report