Today, October 7, is World Cotton Day. This year, the celebration will focus on the broad opportunities offered by the cotton sector, including its critical contribution to international trade and inclusive economic growth.
Cotton is not just a fiber from which T -shirts and jeans are sewn. This is a strategic resource that plays an important role in the global economy, social stability and international trade. It provides the existence of more than one hundred million families around the world and helps to solve the key problems of sustainable development.
~ 60 > cotton industry: inclusive growth engine at all stages The cotton industry contributes to the creation of jobs, especially in rural areas, expands the capabilities of women and youth, and also contributes to the development of local processing. Women make up about 43 percent of workers in cotton breeding, especially actively participating in the landing and harvesting in the countries of Africa and Asia. The use of by -products, such as cotton oil and feed components, allows you to increase profit and disclose the economic potential of the industry. To increase the stability and effectiveness of cotton breeding, investments in scientific development, digitalization, innovation and improvement of management are necessary. This is not just modernization – this is the path to a more fair and environmentally friendly future, in which cotton becomes not only a product, but also a tool for social progress. ~ 60 >~ 60 > 62 > 62 > 62 > 62 > 62 ~ 62Global cotton production reached 26 million tons in 2024, of which more than nine million tons were exported. In value terms, production is estimated at more than 75 billion dollars a year, and trade volume is about 20 billion. The largest exporters are Brazil and the United States of America, and the main importers are Bangladesh and Vietnam. The top five producers are China, India, Brazil, the United States and Pakistan, accounting for more than 75 percent of the world’s output.
Cotton vs. Synthetics: The Battle for the Market
Although in the 1960s years, cotton accounted for 60 percent of global fiber consumption; by 2024, its share had dropped to 22 percent. This is due to the growing popularity of synthetic materials such as polyester, which today ranks first in terms of consumption. However, cotton remains the second most popular fiber in the world. About 80 percent of cotton is used in clothing, and the remaining 20 percent in home textiles and industrial products.
International trade in cotton should be open, transparent, fair and non-discriminatory. Only in such conditions can sustainable sources of income be ensured for millions of people, especially in low-income countries. Greater coordination across the chain – from field to store – improves efficiency, transparency and value.
World Cotton Day highlights the historical, economic and social significance of the product, draws attention to the industry’s challenges and demonstrates how cotton helps achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development year. This day is an opportunity to support farmers, improve nutrition, protect the environment and ensure a decent life for everyone on Earth.