ICAC 83rd Plenary Highlights Global Cotton Trends, Sustainability & Market Outlook

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) held its 83rd Plenary Meeting on March 23–24, 2026, in Bremen, Germany. During the session, the ICAC Secretariat presented updates on global cotton markets, textile demand, sustainability, and industry development.

At the 83rd Plenary Meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) in Bremen, Germany, the Secretariat delivered a series of presentations covering global cotton market trends, textile demand, and sector developments. The meeting took place on March 23–24, 2026, ahead of the International Cotton Conference Bremen.

Ms Parkhi Vats, ICAC Economic Affairs Officer, opened the session with a global cotton market outlook. Her presentation included early projections for world production and consumption, import and export estimates, updates on trade agreements and tariff negotiations, and data on identity and specialty cottons, including long- and extra-long staple varieties.

Economist Ms Lorena Ruiz presented findings on world textile fiber demand and results from the ICAC Global Survey on Women in the Cotton Sector. She reported that global textile fiber demand is increasing in line with GDP and population growth, with polyester, particularly in China, driving much of the expansion. She also noted that geopolitical tensions and high energy costs are affecting production and trade expenses. The survey conducted in 2024 indicated that women remain underrepresented in leadership roles and are largely concentrated in manual positions, with challenges such as limited access to resources and training.

Mr Kanwar Usman, Head of Textiles, presented on “Textiles Strategy: Developing the Textiles Value Chain in Cotton-Rich Countries.” His presentation outlined investment requirements for textile manufacturing segments, including spinning, weaving, processing, and garments, along with expected daily production capacities measured in metric tonnes.

Dr Keshav Kranthi, Chief Scientist, presented on the “Global Economics of Cotton Production.” He highlighted features of the ICAC’s Production Data Portal, which provides information on production costs, fertilizer and pesticide usage, cotton varieties, and pest distribution. He also referred to the 872-page 2025 Cotton Data Book, which examines sustainability aspects of cotton production across 38 countries.

The session concluded with a presentation by Director of Communications Mike McCue on ICAC’s efforts in cotton promotion. He reviewed the organization’s social media initiatives, including the #TruthTuesday campaign, its role in supporting World Cotton Day activities held annually on October 7, and the need for collaboration among industry participants to enhance cotton’s visibility.

The Plenary Meeting theme, “Uniting the Cotton and Textiles Value Chain for a Sustainable Future,” reflects the ICAC’s role as an international organization covering the cotton sector from production to end-of-life stages.