China is now the world’s largest producer, importer and consumer of cotton, holding around 58% of the world’s total stockpile…Since…2001, its textile and apparel exports have grown by 50% and the nation has doubled its share of global exports in less than a decade, to around 25%...However…at farm level, cotton is fast-becoming a less appealing crop for farmers, plantings are predicted to fall 6% to 31.6 million hectares across China by 2015-16…

A new report from Cotton Connect ‘China’s Cotton: A Growing Market Opportunity’…presents these challenges…It concludes with recommendations for more brands to take action in order to help secure a more resilient supply of cotton…The report echoes findings from our recent reports that a huge investment is required at a farm level to support farmers and farming communities to improve crops, provide environmental protection and new technology…

At a strategic level: More competitive cotton prices in China…High quality cotton with strong downstream infrastructure…A cheaper, better quality cotton both sourced and processed in China…Greater sustainability becoming a licence to operate…Opportunities for brands to demonstrate leadership and safeguard your licence to operate in China.

At a farm level: Support for farmer finance and literacy…Support for effective water management…Encouraging rural entrepreneurship in cotton communities…