As the world celebrates World Cotton Day, it’s important to recognize how cotton has shaped economies and supported millions of livelihoods throughout history. Cotton has been a key resource in global trade, and its cultivation has helped many low-income countries grow economically.
When leveraged correctly, cotton offers significant opportunities to address development challenges and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
World Cotton Day was first celebrated in August 2021, following recognition by the UN General Assembly of the important role cotton has played in human civilization. For many cultures, cotton is more than just a crop; it represents a way of life, and in some cases, it is deeply rooted in tradition and culture.
Globally, around 24 million farmers grow cotton, and nearly half of them are women. Cotton is the second-largest fiber by volume, accounting for approximately 22% of global fiber production, with polyester being the largest. The uses of cotton are diverse: about 80% of it is used in clothing, 15% in home furnishings, and the remaining 5% in non-woven products like filters and padding.
World Cotton Day is an opportunity to highlight the sector’s contribution to economic development, international trade, and poverty reduction. However, the cotton industry faces numerous challenges.
Fluctuations in both supply and demand, as well as production issues, have hindered the sector’s growth in recent years. To unlock its full potential and support sustainable economic growth, these challenges need to be addressed.
Experts argue that the cotton industry must transform to become more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable. This transformation can be achieved through the use of science and innovation, research, digitalization, improved governance, and targeted investments.
While advances have been made, the sector still requires better coordination across the value chain to enhance efficiency, transparency, and profitability. Developing cotton by-products is also crucial for adding value to the crop.
The top five cotton-producing countries—China, India, the United States, Brazil, and Pakistan—account for over 75% of global cotton production, making them central players in the global cotton market.