Today, the global textile and apparel industry celebrates World Cotton Day, recognizing the immense economic, social, and cultural importance of cotton across the world. Observed every year on October 7, the day brings attention to the critical role cotton plays in the livelihoods of millions and its contributions to sustainable development.
Launched by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in collaboration with the Cotton-4 countries — Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali — World Cotton Day aims to promote equitable trade, raise awareness about cotton’s value chain, and support the interests of cotton-producing nations, especially in the Global South.
Cotton is grown in over 75 countries and supports the livelihoods of more than 100 million families. From farmers and ginners to spinners and garment manufacturers, cotton sustains entire communities and remains one of the most important cash crops in both developing and developed economies.
In 2025, the focus of the cotton industry is increasingly on sustainability and innovation. With rising global demand for ethical and eco-friendly fibres, stakeholders are investing in organic cultivation, regenerative agriculture, biotech seeds, and traceability technologies. These advancements are helping reduce the environmental impact of cotton production while increasing yields and improving farmer incomes.
World Cotton Day also highlights the need for fairer global trade policies, support for smallholder farmers, and greater international cooperation to build resilience against climate change. It’s a call to action for governments, industry leaders, researchers, and consumers to protect and promote cotton’s future.
As we celebrate this versatile fibre — from field to fabric — TEXtalks reaffirms its commitment to supporting sustainable practices, sharing knowledge, and connecting the global textile community.
