Market Trends of Europe Cotton Industry
Increased Demand for Cotton in Textile Industry
European cotton is a traditional product produced according to the highest quality standards. It is a strategic product within and beyond European borders, which also generates quality employment and benefits the textile and related industries. Valued for its practicality, versatility, durability, softness, breathability, and biodegradability, cotton's ease of dyeing and blending with other fibers has made it a staple in the European apparel sector. Greece, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain, France, and Romania stand out as Europe's dominant cotton markets. With nearly all major global apparel brands hailing from Europe, the continent boasts luxury powerhouses like Gucci, Prada, Versace, Armani, Chanel, and Christian Dior, predominantly rooted in Italy and France. Greece emerges as Europe's leading cotton producer and a significant exporter.
EUCOTTON boasts superior quality, ensuring high spinnability, exceptional uniformity, and versatile fibers. This virtually contamination-free crop is machine-picked and supported by efficient logistics. Brands and retailers benefit from EUCOTTON by providing customers with the assurance that their products contain certified, high-quality cotton, sustainably grown with strong environmental and social values. This assurance significantly amplifies the demand for European cotton in the textile industry.
Moreover, in 2019, the European Cotton Alliance (ECA) was established in Greece and Spain. The aim is to create a European trademark for cotton, aimed at identifying and promoting European cotton. This initiative seeks to empower European cotton producers and textile industries with the trademark, potentially enhancing the recognition, protection, and promotion of European cotton. Additionally, in 2022, European Better Cotton has introduced the Delta Framework, a unified set of indicators encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions to gauge sustainability in the cotton sector. The development of the Delta Framework received backing from the ISEAL Innovations Fund, with support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
During the 36th International Cotton Conference held in Germany in 2022, the high-quality cotton production within Europe in the network and the downstream, highly specialized textile and clothing industry, under the headline 'Region in Focus,' was highlighted in that session. The popularity of brands among people in the world and the increased demand for cotton from the textile industry are likely to drive the cotton market in Europe.
Greece Hold the Significant Position in Cotton Export
Greece is the foremost cotton-producing nation in Europe and a significant cotton exporter. Cotton is harvested using machines in Greece and is known for its superior quality in terms of length, strength, and micronaire (a measurement of fiber fineness). Cotton planting in Greece takes place between March and April, with a typical crop life cycle lasting 170-210 days. Harvesting usually occurs from October to November. As per the ITC Trade Map, Greece was the major cotton exporter in Europe in 2022, with 268,300 metric tons valued at USD 662,616 thousand. Turkey accounted for 50.1 percent of Greece's total exports in 2022, followed by Egypt (15.3 percent), Indonesia (6.2 percent), and Bangladesh (5.2 percent) in terms of value.
Greek cotton is renowned for its lengthy and robust fibers that enhance the strength and softness of the end textile goods. The stable attributes include a fiber length of 1.1/8 inches and a minimum strength of 28 grams per tex. These reliable features make it a preferred option for producers, and it is in high demand in the international market.
In 2020, Greece adopted the AGRO-2 Integrated Management Standards, aligning them with the Better Cotton Standard. This alignment guarantees that Greek cotton is produced with eco-friendly methods, emphasizing responsible water management and the use of non-GMO seeds. Additionally, under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Greek cotton farmers benefit from diverse support mechanisms. These include decoupled income support and targeted crop payments, both of which play a crucial role in stabilizing farmers’ incomes and bolstering the sustainability of cotton production. Such strategic policies not only fortify Greece’s stature as a leading cotton exporter but also ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of its cotton industry.
