Cotton Brazil strengthened international partnerships and promoted dialogue on natural fibers at the ICA Trade Event Istanbul 2026, held on October 14-15 at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel in Turkey.
The event brought together approximately 600 delegates from the global cotton supply chain, including growers, exporters and representatives of major consumer markets.
During the event, the Brazilian delegation promoted the “Hanging by a Thread” movement, known in Brazil as “Microplástico é o Fim da Linha,” which aims to raise awareness about microplastics in everyday life and their potential effects on human health and the environment.
The initiative primarily targets Brazilian audiences and seeks to promote public policies while supporting greater access to information, transparency, research and innovation. It also aims to create opportunities for natural fibers where technically appropriate.
“The goal is not to eliminate synthetic fibers, but to encourage debate and promote more conscious choices,” said Gustavo Piccoli, president of the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa).
International cooperation is another priority for advancing the initiative, with Brazil seeking joint efforts with other cotton-producing countries, particularly the United States and Australia, according to Fernando Rati, head of business and international relations at Abrapa.
Brazil’s participation comes as the country strengthens its position in the global cotton market. As the world’s third-largest cotton producer and leading exporter, Brazil exported a record 3.37 million metric tons of cotton lint during the 2025/26 marketing year, an increase of approximately 19% from the previous season.
The performance highlights the importance of maintaining relationships with international buyers, textile manufacturers, trading companies and representatives of major consumer markets.
“The ICA is always a place where we seek to gather the perspectives of this highly select and multidisciplinary audience, representing different links in the supply chain. This helps us position ourselves increasingly better,” Rati said.
Dawid Wajs, president of the Brazilian Cotton Exporters Association (ANEA), said the delegation highlighted developments in Brazil’s cotton sector and the country’s efforts to ensure sustainable growth.
He added that Brazil wanted the global textile industry to rely on cotton to support growth and increase fiber consumption worldwide.
The next edition of the ICA Trade Event will be held in São Paulo in 2027, marking the first time the event takes place in Brazil. The event is expected to provide an opportunity to showcase the structure, progress and competitiveness of the country’s cotton sector to the international market.
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Ahead of the ICA Trade Event, Cotton Brazil hosted a luncheon in Istanbul to strengthen relationships with international partners, present the outlook for Brazilian cotton production and discuss challenges and opportunities in the global market.
The gathering brought together Brazilian cotton growers, textile industry representatives, traders and industry organizations from different countries.
Rati said the luncheon was the largest event the organization had held alongside the ICA Trade Event programme in terms of attendance. It traditionally brings together opinion leaders and key representatives from different parts of the cotton supply chain and several countries.
The luncheon featured two panel discussions. The first examined the results of Brazil’s 2025/26 cotton crop and the outlook for 2026/27, covering production, planted area, quality and sustainability. The second focused on Cotton Brazil’s strategies for the coming years, including the “Hanging by a Thread” movement.
The Brazilian delegation in Istanbul included representatives from Abrapa, ANEA and ApexBrasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency.
Abrapa was represented by Vice President Celestino Zanella, Marcelo Duarte, who participated in the official ICA programme, and other directors and board members.
ANEA was represented by President Dawid Wajs, Vice President Ariel Coelho, directors and members. ApexBrasil was represented by Rafaela Albuquerque, a specialist in its Agribusiness Management Department.
Cotton Brazil is an initiative of Abrapa, ANEA and ApexBrasil to promote Brazilian cotton internationally, expand its presence in major consumer markets, strengthen relationships with buyers and textile industry representatives, and highlight the quality, competitiveness and responsible production of Brazilian cotton.