Australia ranks first for cotton fibre exports to Indonesia

ACSA supply chain consultant Rob Cairns said Indonesia was a highly valued, increasingly important market for Australian cotton.

“In 2012-13, Australian cotton was ranked fifth for cotton imports into Indonesia. But at present, Australia is number one because of its quality and geographical location. Spinners and mills continuously tell us they admire the superior quality and sustainable growing practices of Australian cotton, making us their preferred choice. Our close proximity also means Indonesia can import cotton from Australia within 14-28 days – a much quicker turnaround than our counterparts in the northern hemisphere,” said Cairns.

Indonesia imported 12 per cent of Australia’s 2021-22 cotton crop, with Vietnam importing 43 per cent and India 9 per cent. “The in-market visits, our sustainable growing practices and quality of cotton is very important on the global scale because we are taking the market share from the United States and Brazil – and that’s something Australian cotton growers should be really proud of,” he added.

Cotton Australia’s cotton to market brand relations manager Ashley Hollis joined the tour and had the opportunity to speak with international fashion and textile representatives during the visit, Australian Cotton said in a press release.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to visit Indonesia and represent Cotton Australia and our growers. As a brand advocate, I was able to speak with mills directly about what brands and retailers are wanting and needing for their consumers. Consumers are wanting a homegrown and high quality product and consumers are excited about our cotton and developing an understanding about the sustainability credentials it holds within the industry,” Hollis said.

During the visit, Cotton Australia and ACSA representatives visited Indorama, the third largest spinning mill in Indonesia.

Australian cotton was an important part of Indorama’s business, and due to the large volumes the business was able to support an on-site school. “We were fortunate to visit the school and the children at Indorama. The children would otherwise travel up to 40 km to the nearest school,” Cairns said.

The in-market visits were made possible by ATMAC funding. The next in-market visits will include India and Bangladesh in May, followed by Vietnam in June.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)