Brazil builds global alliance to defend cotton

The Brazilian delegation concluded its week of work at the ICA Trade Event 2025, held in Dubai, with positive results. In addition to the business roundtable and the strengthening of commercial partnerships, the participation of the Brazilian Cotton Producers Association (Abrapa) in the International Cotton Association (ICA) annual event solidified Brazil's position as a leading voice in the defense of cotton as a natural fiber, more sustainable and healthier than synthetic fibers.

"One of the highlights of the ICA was the trilateral meeting between Brazil, the United States, and Australia. The meeting had an extremely collaborative tone, with the countries discussing joint strategies for promoting, communicating, and defending cotton institutionally," says Marcelo Duarte, Director of International Relations at Abrapa. Current legislative initiatives were also discussed, such as the U.S.-based Baca (Buy American Cotton Act), which provides tax credits for brands and retailers that use American cotton, as well as international regulatory proposals to reduce microplastic pollution.

For Duarte, the countries' willingness to work side by side, including on issues of legislative defense and public policy, marked a new chapter in relations between the major exporters.

Abrapa president Gustavo Piccoli also highlighted the importance of unity among major cotton-producing countries in defending cotton. "We are building a unified front with the United States and Australia to raise awareness among governments and consumers about the importance of choosing natural fibers over synthetic ones. The increasing consumption of fossil fuels generates pollution and harms human health. Defending cotton means defending the environment and quality of life," he stated.

According to Alessandra Zanotto, president of the Bahian Cotton Producers Association (ABAPA), the ICA Trade Event was an opportunity to strengthen the industry's international unity to increase cotton consumption and combat synthetic fibers. "One of the most important topics discussed at the event was the challenges of increasing global cotton consumption. It surpassed any commercial competition among international market competitors, who focused on finding viable solutions to overcome the low global consumption of the fiber," concluded Zanotto.

Cotton Brazil Luncheon brings together Brazilian producers and global industry leaders

For the second consecutive year, Abrapa hosted the Cotton Brazil Luncheon, a business meeting that brought together approximately 160 executives and investors on October 7th, World Cotton Day. The program featured three thematic panels on the harvest, exports, and market trends.

During the meeting, the Brazilian delegation conveyed a clear and positive message about Brazilian cotton, focusing on consistent advances in quality, the reliability of the classification and traceability system, and the producers' strong commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and innovation.

In addition to this agenda, the Brazilian delegation took advantage of the event to strengthen commercial ties with trading companies, brokers, and importers in the now-traditional "Abrapa Room," a networking and business roundtable space organized by the organization. Orcival Guimarães, president of the Mato Grosso Cotton Producers Association (AMPA), closely followed the agenda and left the event with some homework.

"We listened to the market, and it became clear that our focus is to continue to seek continuous improvement in our cotton. We have the capacity to continue evolving and delivering a quality product. The work done by the leaders of Abrapa and Ampa over the years has opened markets and cemented a solid reputation—and it is our mission to maintain it," he stated.

Producer and chairman of the board of SLC Agrícola, Aurélio Pavinato, explains that Brazil currently holds a leading position in all global debates on quality. "As a major exporter, Brazil is a market-setter, which increases our responsibility," he noted.

According to Abrapa vice president Celestino Zanella, besides quality, Brazilian cotton farmers face another challenge: contributing to increasing global cotton consumption. "And we're on the right track, as the collaboration we're building with other producing countries will result in increased demand for the natural fiber," he analyzed.