Link to: International Year of Natural Fibres 2009: Cotton
Link to: Bremen Cotton Exchange
Link to: International Cotton Advisory Committee


Wikipedia: Cotton – Gossypium


Link to: World Cotton Day at the World Trade Organisation
Link to: Cotton Portal – Trade intelligence for Cotton
Download Factsheet: WTO - Why Cotton - Facts and Figures


Press Release: Efficient Irrigation Methods Reduce Water Consumption of Cotton

Link to: Video from Cotton Incorporated about ‘Cotton Versus Polyester Athletic Apparel’, with a wink 😉


Cotton Facts:

The cotton fibre grows on the seed of a variety of plants of the genus Gossypium. Of the four cotton species cultivated for fibre, the most important are Gossypium hirsutum, which originated in Mexico and produces 90% of the world’s cotton, and Gossypium barbadense, of Peruvian origin, which accounts for 5%. World average cotton yields are around 800 kg per hectare.

Cotton is almost pure cellulose, with softness and breathability that have made it the world’s most popular natural fibre. Fibre length varies from 10 to 65 mm, and diameter from 11 to 22 microns. It absorbs moisture readily, which makes cotton clothes comfortable in hot weather, while high tensile strength in soap solutions means they are easy to wash.

The world produces currently 25.9 million tonnes of Cotton every year. Eight countries – India, China, USA, Brazil, Pakistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Mexico – account for more than 85% of total production.

Source: FAO 2009 – DNFI update 2017+2020, Bremen Cotton Exchange update 2020