Category: Economics

Cotton Incorporated has teamed up with the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment and North Carolina State University to host a 3-day virtual conference, Environmental Tools for Improving Sustainability Decisions In Agriculture.

October 7 is World Cotton Day, a global celebration promoting cotton and all its stakeholders in production, transformation, and trade while also highlighting the many technological advances and ongoing research related to cotton and cotton products.

Consumers in the U.S. Amid the latest worldwide surge in COVID-19 cases due to the new delta variant, concern among consumers has spiked, nearing its highest level of the pandemic. The latest “Things To Know About” infographic from Cotton Incorporated...

Consumers in Mexico Amid the latest worldwide surge in COVID-19 cases due to the new delta variant, concern among consumers has spiked, nearing its highest level of the pandemic. The latest “Things To Know About” infographic from Cotton Incorporated presents...

Consumers in China Amid the latest worldwide surge in COVID-19 cases due to the new delta variant, concern among consumers has spiked, nearing its highest level of the pandemic. The latest “Things To Know About” infographic from Cotton Incorporated presents...

U.S and Chinese benchmark prices increased in early August but were flat to lower later in the month and through early September.

After two months of stronger than expected job gains, the latest figure was disappointing. In August, the fewest jobs were added since January.

Urban outdoor brand An Ko Rau 0® continues their TransDRY™ technology adoption into 2021. An Ko Rau 0® offers a range of men’s and women’s products featuring moisture-wicking technology and the TransDRY™ hangtag. Products are available at 150 stores across China and on the popular e-commerce...

Most benchmark prices increased last month. Values for the December NY/ICE futures contract held between 88 and 90 cents/lb for much of July. In early August, futures resumed their climb and have reached levels over 93 cents/lb.

In their latest update, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) indicated that the U.S. economy surpassed its pre-COVID peak of activity in the second quarter.

Although several prices slipped around the middle of June, most benchmarks are slightly higher than their levels one month ago.

Age of Consumers Percent of consumers who are very concerned about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic (by age): Returning to Normal 41% feel safe resuming normal, pre-pandemic activities 91% have purchased or plan to purchase clothing to resume normal activities Consumer...

Age of Consumers Percent of consumers who are very concerned about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic (by age): Returning to Normal 69% feel safe resuming normal, pre-pandemic activities 95% have purchased or plan to purchase clothing to resume normal activities Consumer...

The labor market continues to show signs of improvement, with job growth in June estimated to be the strongest in nearly a year.

Banana Republic has you covered rain or shine with their adoption of STORM COTTON™ technology in two women’s jacket styles. The Rain Jacket and Popover Rain Jacket both feature the water repellent benefits of the STORM COTTON™ finish with crisp,...

Between a pandemic-driven recession and unprecedented stimulus to spur consumer spending, the past year has been a roller coaster for the economy and consumers. Despite initial drops, clothing expenditures outperformed overall spending and continue to top shopping lists. With vaccinations...

Percentage who are very concerned about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic (by age):   Consumers expect to spend more on clothing   Percent of consumers spending more on clothing since the start of the pandemic:   70% say the pandemic experience...

Indian and Pakistani prices increased over the past month, while NY/ICE futures, the A Index, and Chinese cotton prices fell and rebounded.

Job growth picked up in May, but the U.S. economy is still down 7.6 million positions since the onset of the COVID crisis. Simultaneously, employers have been reporting difficulty in finding applicants for work.

Johnston & Murphy adopted TransDRY® technology in their line of men’s and women’s performance golf socks. Designed to perform on or off the course, the moisture-wicking technology transfers moisture from the inside to the outside of the sock to keep...

Searching for a bag that you can’t live without? Great news! Vera Bradley launched a Recycled Cotton Collection featuring their iconic backpacks, totes, crossbody bags, travel bags, and more. Everything you love about cotton (the softness, the comfort, the vibrancy)...

All benchmark prices increased over the past month. Since early March, the July NY/ICE futures contract has risen from 78 to those above 90 cents/lb. In the latest trading, prices have been near 88 cents/lb.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the U.S. economy expanded at a 6.4% annual rate in the first quarter.

A Year in Review: Consumers Look Ahead Percent of consumers who are very concerned about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic (by age): Consumers expect to spend more on clothing   Percent of consumers expecting to spend the same amount or more...

A Year in Review: Consumers Look Ahead Percent of consumers who are very concerned about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic (by age): Consumers expect to spend more on clothing   Percent of consumers expecting to spend the same amount or more...

Every Earth Day is an occasion for reflection and an opportunity for improvement, but Earth Day 2021 marks a unique moment and a singular chance to create lasting change. As the world begins to sketch its post-COVID shape, rather than...

Browzwear and Cotton Incorporated are uniting to create an eco-conscious digital fabric collection of minimally processed cotton fabrics ready to use in Browzwear’s VStitcher asset library.

The European Commission adopted the world’s first comprehensive plastics strategy to decrease single-use plastics accounting for marine litter. As a result, the European Union is taking legislative action against single-use plastic items and plastic fishing gear – plastics that account...

All benchmark prices decreased over the past month. The May NY/ICE futures contract fell from 88 to 78 cents/lb between early March and early April. In later trading, prices have rebounded to levels near 82 cents/lb.

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The International Monetary Fund (IMF) just released an updated set of forecasts for economic growth around the world. The latest IMF estimate for global economic growth in 2021 is 6.0%. This is...

Grupo Familia, one of the largest personal care and hygiene brands in South America, has adopted cotton into a range of products. The cotton enhanced™ and cotton natural™ trademarks are identified in their line of feminine pads, tampons, and pantyliners...

The global brand P&G has launched the first feminine pads labeled with the Seal of Cotton trademark in Mexico.

Wolverine has adopted TOUGH COTTON™ technology under the name Guardian Cotton. Wolverine claims that Guardian Cotton “provides the comfort of cotton with 4x-8x the abrasion resistance for the hardest of workers."

Most benchmark prices increased throughout February but decreased in early March. The May NY/ICE futures contract rose from values near 85 cents/lb one month ago to levels approaching 94 cents/lb on February 24.

The U.S. Senate narrowly approved a third set of stimulus measures. This package features another round of direct payments, an extension of supplemental unemployment payments, support for state and local governments, and assistance for low-income children.

Have you made the leap into digital product development? As a leader in cotton product innovation and a resource for digital fabrics, Cotton Incorporated is pleased to take part in the upcoming CLO Virtual Fashion User Summit on February 23 and 24.

Most cotton benchmark prices increased over the past month. Trading activity has started to shift out of the Nearby March NY/ICE futures contract and into the May contract.

The U.S. economy is estimated to have grown at a 4.0% annualized rate in the fourth quarter. This followed record growth in the third quarter (33.4%) and record contraction in the second quarter (-31.4%).

Sourcing Cotton is a special resource that provides you with essential information about cotton that can help answer relevant sourcing questions.

Are you attending Outdoor Retailer Winter Online? Connect with Cotton Incorporated virtually at OR for the latest in digital cotton design, innovation, sustainability, and trend. As a CottonWorks™ member, here’s your exclusive preview. OR Exclusive: Digital Fabric Education Digitized for...

Global cotton prices continued to rise over the past month. The NY March futures contract climbed from 74 cents/lb to 82 cents/lb.

COVID was a dominant force in 2020, and it has already underlined its importance in 2021. In the U.S., daily rates for new case counts, hospitalizations, and deaths are all at near-record levels.

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Most international benchmark prices increased over the past month. The NY March futures contract climbed from 70 cents/lb to 74 cents/lb. Cotlook’s A Index rose from 76 to 80 cents/lb.

The latest jobs report signaled a significant slowdown in hiring in November.  Even before the latest surge in COVID cases, a deceleration in economic activity had been anticipated in late 2020 and early 2021. 

As the pandemic continues, about three-quarters of consumers plan to purchase clothing in the next few months. Based on data from Cotton Incorporated’s third COVID-19 Consumer Response Survey, the latest “Things To Know About” explores pent-up consumer demand for clothing...

As the pandemic continues, about three-quarters of consumers plan to purchase clothing in the next few months. Based on data from Cotton Incorporated’s third COVID-19 Consumer Response Survey, the latest “Things To Know About” explores pent-up consumer demand for clothing...

All international benchmark prices increased over the past month. The NY December futures contract climbed from 67 to as high as 72 cents/lb near the end of October. More recently, prices  eased back to 70 cents/lb.

The U.S. presidential election is over, and one source of uncertainty for U.S. and global markets has been resolved. While a new president has been chosen, the elections did not generate a clear result for the U.S. Senate.

Artwork Files for Knitwear Design November 9 at 1 p.m. EST (10 a.m. PST) Join us as Alexis Mondragon – technical designer, knitwear specialist, and sweater consultant for Cotton Incorporated – takes a deeper look at: Artwork and body mapping solutions...

All international benchmark prices increased over the past month. The NY December futures contract climbed from 64 to 67 cents/lb.

Missed Our Latest Webinar? The New Normal: Accelerating Consumer Trends in the Current & Post-COVID World takes a deeper look at the effects COVID has had on consumer trends.

The COVID diagnosis for the president, along with rising daily case counts in locations such as Europe, emphasizes how coronavirus remains a threat to global health. As the pandemic lingers, the possibility of a resurgence in emergency shutdown orders remains, and the virus remains a threat to global economic growth.

Celebrate World Cotton Day with us this Wednesday, October 7! World Cotton Day is a global celebration designed to promote cotton and all its stakeholders in production, transformation, and trade while also promoting the many technological advances and ongoing research...

Percentage who are very concerned about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic (by age):   As the pandemic continues, consumer spending is level   Consumers spend more on clothing Pent-up demand for clothing realized   64% of consumers feel comfortable shopping for clothing...

Lands’ End promotes TOUGH COTTON™ technology on their website and catalog: “We just made the best leggings ever. The secret? TOUGH COTTON™ technology. This cool technology uses innovative treatments to make the fabric stronger for longer by creating bonds with...

Vancl features the Seal of Cotton trademark and their support of the Cotton LEADS℠ program on the hangtag of their cotton apparel. These hang tags allow their consumers to easily identify cotton in their products. Vancl is a leading casual...

KEY INSIGHTS MARKET OPPORTUNITIES PERFORMANCE FEATURES DESIRED All content sourced from Cotton Incorporated’s 2020 Home Textiles survey, a survey of 6,000 consumers in the U.S., China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Turkey, Mexico, Colombia, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom conducted...

Vancl adopted the WICKING WINDOWS™ technology on a line of performance t-shirts. WICKING WINDOWS™ performance manages moisture keeping the wearer cool and comfortable. Vancl is a leading casual brand and one of the largest online apparel retailers in China. The...

Cotton & the Climate Roadmap: Strategies for the Apparel Industry to Reach Net Zero September 30 at 2 p.m. EDT (11 a.m. PDT) How are apparel companies planning to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Join us for our upcoming webinar as...

Urban outdoor sportswear brand An Ko Rau 0® adopted TransDRY® technology in their women’s and men’s apparel lines on products such as t-shirts, pants, and dresses. The TransDRY® moisture management technology is featured on garment hangtags. Product will be sold...

The NY Nearby and the A Index were stable over the past month. Asian benchmarks increased. The NY December futures contract held to levels near 64 cents/lb.

The U.S. economy has significantly improved since the second quarter. Following the record quarter-to-quarter decrease in GDP in the second quarter, a record increase is expected in the third.

Duluth Trading Company has adopted TOUGH COTTON™ technology, claiming that “while it wears like armor, it never moves like it!” Duluth states that “while the occasional scrape never bothered you much, the cotton in usual work clothes can’t say the...

Just in time for back to school, Kohl’s has launched its TOUGH COTTON™ girl’s leggings. The TOUGH COTTON™ technology provides durability and can stand up to the toughest challenges. The leggings are available in a range of solid colors and...

JEEP® cotton apparel in China continues to boast the Seal of Cotton trademark and Cotton LEADS℠ branding to ensure consumers recognize the natural cotton fiber. Due to its unique American DNA, JEEP® is welcomed by Chinese consumers and this product...

Movement in benchmark prices was mixed over the past month. The NY December futures contract moved lower (to below 60 cents/lb in late July) and then higher (near 65 cents/lb in early August) over the past month.

The U.S. economy was estimated to have contracted at a 32.9% seasonally-adjusted annual rate in the second quarter. This followed a 5.0% contraction in the first quarter and easily ranks as the sharpest decline on record (since 1947).

Leading brands are evolving their supply chains to incorporate digital tools, and a new future is being paved for the apparel and textile industry through the emergence of 3D simulation technology.

Color selection plays an important role in helping a trend come to life by telling the visual and emotional story that designers are attempting to portray to consumers. In the research process, Cotton Incorporated’s trend forecasting team takes an overarching...

Chinese, Indian, and Pakistani prices were stable over the past month. NY futures and the A Index drifted slightly higher. Prices for the December NY futures contract rose from levels near 60 to those near 64 cents/lb.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released an updated set of forecasts for global economic growth last month.

CottonWorks™ equips you with free resources to keep making decisions in your supply chain, including the FABRICAST™ digital library.

Deteriorating Expectations for Global GD Record Job Losses (U.S.) Record Monthly Drop in Consumer Confidence in April (U.S.) Record Drop in Consumer Spending (U.S.) Record Increase in Retailer Inventory/Sales Ratios6 Retailers Were Dealing with Tariffs Before COVID Record Downward Revisions...

Missed Our Latest Webinar? Navigate the Market: Economic, Consumer, & Retail Insights covers current market conditions and consumer behaviors that have resulted due to COVID-19.

Designed with those leisurely summer days in mind, Mack Weldon has relaunched the TransDRY® technology for men’s polo shirts and t-shirts. Whether you’re practicing your backhand, manning the grill, or lounging poolside, their TransDRY® shirts, called DRYKNIT, are designed to...

Even a few weeks into the process of reopening, several indicators are signaling that the worst of the U.S. economic contraction may already be in the past. In most instances, data are describing smaller declines rather than expansion. However, some statistics have shown outright growth.

Several benchmark prices drifted higher over the past month. Indian prices were stable. Pakistani prices decreased.

Chinese consumers spent ¥167 billion ($23.4B USD) on home textile products in 2019. While a drop in spending due to the COVID-19 pandemic is expected in 2020, this market is projected to recover by 2021 and to show a 5-year...

Mexican consumers spent Mex$44.3 billion (USD $2.3 billion) on home textile products in 2019. While a drop in spending due to the COVID-19 pandemic is expected in 2020, this market is projected to recover by 2022 and to show a...

U.S. consumers spent $66.4 billion on home textile products in 2019. While a drop in spending due to the COVID-19 pandemic is expected in 2020, this market is projected to recover by 2022 and to show a 5-year growth of...

Around the world, consumers are responding to COVID-19 by social distancing, working remotely when possible, and staying home. Following up on our U.S. survey to better understand the effects of the pandemic on consumer habits and attitudes, the Cotton Incorporated...

Around the world, consumers are responding to COVID-19 by social distancing, working remotely when possible, and staying home. Following up on our U.S. survey to better understand the effects of the pandemic on consumer habits and attitudes, the Cotton Incorporated...

If you are a qualified industry professional, follow these steps to register for a textile education workshop.

Most benchmark prices were flat to higher over the past month. Indian prices edged slightly lower.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis released its first estimate for U.S. GDP growth in the first quarter. The 4.8% contraction (seasonally-adjusted annual rate) is the biggest drop since the 8.4% decrease in the fourth quarter of 2008.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the globe, consumers adapt their shopping to this new normal. Based on data from the second wave of our COVID-19 Consumer Response Survey, our latest survey explores pent-up consumer demand and plans for shopping...

For nearly all industries, it has been a year full of uncertainty. This certainly has been true for U.S. cotton growers. The Matter of Trade Cotton demand is sensitive to changes in global economic activity, and cotton prices can be...

Both the speed and scale of the COVID-19 outbreak are an unprecedented shock to the global economy. Although concerns had surfaced (Washington state declared a state of emergency on February 29), much of the U.S. was operating normally just one month ago.

All benchmark prices fell over the past month. The nearby May NY futures contract dropped from 61 to 53 cents/lb.

The response to COVID-19 is altering American life. Social distancing, working remotely, when possible, and the shift of education from public schools to the privacy of living rooms and kitchen tables is the strange new normal. To better understand the...

Do you know where the plastic leaks are in your business? Join us for our upcoming webinar, Stop the Leak: Addressing Plastic Leakage in Your Supply Chain on Tuesday, April 14 at 12 p.m. ET. This webinar, in cooperation with Quantis, will: 1....

Everyone needs a t-shirt they can rely on. Vans has adopted WICKING WINDOWS™ technology on their Off The Wall Classic Short Sleeve t-shirt for men and women. The interior WICKING WINDOWS™ print pulls moisture away from the skin to keep...

Awareness of the amount of plastic in the ocean has skyrocketed over the last two years, and, with it, a realization that part of the problem comes from our clothes in the form of both micro- and macroplastic pollution. The...

Spring Showers are right around the corner – are you ready? PrAna has you covered for those temperamental, unpredictable weather days. PrAna has adopted STORM COTTON™ technology on a men’s jacket for quick drying protection – the perfect jacket for...

Most benchmark prices decreased over the past month. The nearby May NY futures contract fell from levels near 70 cents/lb. in early February to those near 61 cents/lb. most recently.

Spread of the coronavirus has dominated headlines and mindsets of financial traders. Fear of outbreaks outside China pulled U.S. stock indexes off record levels with the steepest declines since the financial crisis.

The trade dispute has been a major source of uncertainty for supply chains for the past couple of years. Since September 2019, the U.S. has maintained tariff increases on Chinese apparel. On February 27, 2020, CottonWorks™ hosted a webinar on...

Most benchmark prices decreased over the past month. The nearby March NY futures contract fell from 71 to 68 cents/lb. Open interest is migrating out of March and into the May contract.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the U.S. economy grew 2.3% in 2019. Forecasts suggest that growth could slow a little in 2020, with many projections falling between 1.9% and 2.1%.