CCI Highlights Innovation and Sustainability in U.S. Cotton at Guangzhou Summit

Circular Economy: A Path Back to Earth’s Original BeautyThe global cotton industry gathered in Guangzhou for the 2025 China International Cotton Conference, where Cotton Council International (CCI) played a prominent role as a silver sponsor and advocate for sustainable cotton practices. The event brought together nearly 400 stakeholders from across the cotton value chain, including government officials, industry organizations, merchants, textile enterprises, and sustainability program partners, said a press release.

Jointly organized by the China Cotton Association and the China National Cotton Exchange, the conference served as a platform for exchanging insights on the challenges and future of the global cotton industry. Key discussions centered around responsible sourcing, traceability, global supply and demand dynamics, and market risk management.

Speaking virtually at the event, Dr. Gary Adams, President and CEO of the National Cotton Council (NCC), addressed the current state of the U.S. cotton industry and emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration to drive growth and sustainability.

“The biggest challenge facing the global cotton industry is stagnant demand,” said Dr. Adams. “We look forward to collaborating on ways to increase demand for cotton around the world.”

Dr. Adams also updated attendees on U.S. cotton planting, production, and export trends, as well as progress under the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol®—a science-based sustainability program that provides measurable and verified environmental metrics.

The conference included specialized forums on global policy trends, domestic and international market forecasts, futures market strategies, and innovative cooperation models to future-proof the industry.

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CCI, the export promotion arm of the NCC, used the opportunity to engage with both Chinese and global industry leaders, strengthening partnerships and reinforcing the value of U.S. cotton through its internationally recognized COTTON USA™ brand.

“U.S. cotton growers are not only committed to quality—they’re committed to measurable progress in sustainability,” concluded Adams. “The U.S. cotton industry supports a future where innovation, accountability, and sustainability drive the cotton industry forward.”

As sustainability becomes a key focus across textile and apparel supply chains, CCI’s active role at the conference reflects its long-standing dedication to helping build a more transparent, responsible, and demand-driven cotton economy—both in China and globally.