Cotton Brazil, a global promotion program for Brazilian cotton developed by the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa), is carrying out its ninth international mission this year. The target countries this time are Vietnam and China, which together accounted for 64% of Brazil´s cotton exports in the 2023/24 marketing year. 

The aim of the trip, from November 17th to 23rd, is to further strengthen trade relations between Brazilian cotton growers and exporters and the two nations. In addition to being the world’s largest consumer of cotton, China is the world’s largest exporter of textile products and the Vietnamese textile industry is the third largest exporter in the world. 

The Brazilian delegation will have eight representatives and will be coordinated by the president of Abrapa, Alexandre Schenkel.

“This direct contact with spinning mills, factories and retailers has been fundamental in showing the progress of Brazilian cotton. Furthermore, it allows us to keep an open communication channel as there are always aspects that we can improve on”, said Mr. Schenkel.

In the 2023/24 market cycle, China imported 1.32 million tonnes of cotton from Brazil, equivalent to 49% of the total and Vietnam, imported 389 thousand tonnes (15%).  

The mission begins in the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, where an edition of the “Cotton Brazil Outlook” seminar will be held followed by technical visits to textile mills and factories. The Brazilian delegation will then head to Hue for another round of visits and a business lunch with local businesspeople. The following day, the destination will be Ho Chi Minh City, where another edition of “Cotton Brazil Outlook” will be held as well as making visits to spinning mills. 

In China, the agenda includes a series of meetings with trade associations and state-owned companies in the textile industry in the capital, Beijing. Among those already confirmed are the China National Cotton Group Corporation (CNCGC), China National Cotton Exchange (CNCE), Chinatex Corporation, China Cotton Association (CCA) and the China Cotton Textile Association (CCTA). 

The Cotton Brazil program is run by Abrapa in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex Brasil). The program has the support of the National Cotton Shippers Association (Anea).