The Brazilian Cotton Producers Association participated in the China International Cotton Conference on June 15th and 16th 

Brazil demonstrated to representatives of the Asian textile chain how it produces cotton responsibly, during the 13th edition of the China International Cotton Conference (CICC), on June 15th and 16th, in Guilin. The event is the largest of its kind in China and one of the largest in the world, with more than a thousand mills and cotton traders participating.  

The participation of the Cotton Brazil program, through Abrapa (Brazilian Cotton Producers Association) reinforces Brazil’s presence in Asia, at a time when China, the world’s largest cotton producer, is expected to harvest a crop around 10% smaller than the previous year. This is the third mission to China in the first half of 2023 alone.  

“This approach represents our search for opportunities in this market. The Chinese Government has encouraged farmers to produce more grain for its population and, in this way, Brazil presents itself as a reliable, quality and certified cotton supplier”, explained Mr. Marcelo Duarte, director of International Relations at Abrapa.  

Relationship between Brazil and China 

China is the main import market for Brazilian cotton. In the 2022/23 season, China expects to buy almost 405 thousand tons. This is equivalent to more than 30% of the total volume exported by Brazil. The Chinese are also interested in knowing more about Brazil’s production in person and, therefore, delegations will arrive in Brazil in July, for Abrapa´s Buyers Mission in August. 

One of the differentials of Brazilian cotton is the socio-environmental certification. In the 2022/23 season, it´s expected that 82% of the national production will be certified by Abrapa’s “Responsible Brazilian Cotton” (ABR) protocol. In addition, the country is the world’s largest supplier of cotton licensed by Better Cotton. Furthermore, 100% of the farms are annually verified by independent auditors. 

Data such as these were highlighted at the CICC by Marcelo Duarte. “We want to show customers the advantages of certified cotton over other fibres, especially synthetic ones. The lower environmental impact is one of the differentials that needs to be taken into consideration”, said Mr. Duarte.  

During the event, Mr. Duarte explained how the fibre is produced in Brazil, highlighting the farmer’s concern with quality, sustainability and traceability.  

“We will continue emphasizing these pillars because they are directly associated with the significant progress that Brazilian cotton farming has recorded in a short period of time. Responsible production, caring about quality and providing transparency in the relationship with the buyer market provides us with the potential for expanding exports”, stated the director. In addition to participating in the event, there were meetings with state and private companies in China.  

The consistent presence of Brazilian cotton in the international market was institutionalized by Abrapa in 2019, with the beginning of the Cotton Brazil program. The initiative is a partnership with Apex-Brasil and Anea and is supported by Brazilian embassies and agricultural attachés in the ten priority countries China, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Turkey and Egypt.