Cotton Brazil Strengthens Global Partnerships and Promotes Natural Fibre Dialogue at ICA 2026

The Brazilian delegation presented the “Hanging by a Thread” movement in Istanbul, highlighting microplastic awareness, natural fibre use and international cooperation across the cotton supply chain.

Cotton Brazil participated in the ICA Trade Event Istanbul 2026 on October 14 and 15 at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye. The event brought together approximately 600 delegates from the global cotton community, including growers, exporters and representatives of major consumer markets.

The Brazilian delegation used the event to strengthen international industry relationships and present the “Hanging by a Thread” movement, known in Brazil as “Microplástico é o Fim da Linha.” The initiative seeks to raise awareness about the presence of microplastics in everyday life and their potential impacts on human health and the environment.

“Hanging by a Thread” Promotes Natural Fibre Awareness

Primarily focused on engaging the Brazilian public and promoting public policies, the movement forms part of broader efforts across the supply chain to improve access to information, strengthen transparency, encourage research and innovation, and create opportunities for natural fibres where technically appropriate.

“The goal is not to eliminate synthetic fibers, but to encourage debate and promote more conscious choices,” says Gustavo Piccoli, president of the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa).

International cooperation is another approach identified by Abrapa to advance the initiative.

“It is important to understand how we can move forward with other producing countries, particularly the United States and Australia, through joint initiatives,” emphasizes Fernando Rati, Head of Business and International Relations at Abrapa.

Brazil Strengthens Its Position in the Global Cotton Market

Brazil's participation in the ICA Trade Event came as the country's cotton sector continued to strengthen its position in international markets. According to the information provided by Cotton Brazil, the country is the world's third-largest cotton producer and leading exporter.

Brazil closed the 2025/26 marketing year with a record 3.37 million metric tons of cotton lint exported, an increase of approximately 19% compared with the previous season. Maintaining relationships with buyers, textile manufacturers, trading companies and representatives of major consumer markets remains important to the sector.

“The ICA is always a place where we seek to gather the perspectives of this highly select and multidisciplinary audience, representing different links in the supply chain. This helps us position ourselves increasingly better,” says Fernando Rati.

Dawid Wajs, president of the Brazilian Cotton Exporters Association (ANEA), also highlighted developments in Brazil's cotton industry.

“We conveyed a very clear message about how things are evolving in Brazil and how the country seeks to ensure sustainable growth. More than that, we want the entire global textile industry to be able to count on cotton to grow and increase fiber consumption worldwide,” he says.

The next ICA event will take place in São Paulo in 2027, marking the first time the gathering is scheduled to be held in Brazil. The event is expected to provide an opportunity to present the country's cotton sector, including its structure, development and competitiveness, to international participants.

Cotton Brazil Luncheon Focuses on Production and Market Outlook

Cotton Brazil's programme in Istanbul also included the Cotton Brazil Luncheon, held on the eve of the ICA Trade Event's opening. The gathering brought together Brazilian cotton growers, textile industry representatives, traders and industry organisations from different countries.

The luncheon aimed to strengthen relationships with international partners, present the outlook for Brazilian cotton production and encourage discussions on challenges and opportunities in the global market.

“This was the largest event in terms of attendance that we have ever organized alongside the ICA Trade Event program. Traditionally, we bring together opinion leaders and key individuals who are extremely strategic across each link of the supply chain, coming from various countries for the event organized by the International Cotton Association,” explains Fernando Rati.

The programme featured two panels. The first reviewed the results of Brazil's 2025/26 cotton crop and the outlook for 2026/27, covering production, planted area, quality and sustainability. The second examined Cotton Brazil's strategies for the coming years and highlighted the “Hanging by a Thread” movement.

Brazilian Organisations Represent the Cotton Sector

The Brazilian delegation in Istanbul included representatives of Abrapa, ANEA and ApexBrasil.

Abrapa was represented by Vice President Celestino Zanella, Marcelo Duarte, who participated in the official ICA programme, and other directors and board members.

ANEA's delegation included President Dawid Wajs, Vice President Ariel Coelho, directors and members. ApexBrasil was represented by Rafaela Albuquerque, a specialist in its Agribusiness Management Department.

Through its participation in ICA 2026, Cotton Brazil continued its engagement with international cotton industry stakeholders while promoting dialogue on natural fibres, supply-chain cooperation and the future of global cotton trade.