Global Market Report: Cotton

Cotton is the most widely used natural fibre in textiles, accounting for one third of total fibres manufactured worldwide. The sector faces a variety of sustainability issues, such as low farm prices, often due to unfavourable trade terms, excessive water consumption, pesticide use, and the use of forced labour. Cotton producers are increasingly using voluntary sustainability standards to address the sector’s sustainability challenges.

This report is the seventh in IISD’s Sustainable Commodities Marketplace Series, which presents market information and analysis on agricultural commodities to foster transparency, knowledge, and strategic decision making for sustainable development.