Cotton Australia was in Canberra this month for the launch of the National Manufacturing Strategy for Australian Fashion and Textiles 2026–2036 at Parliament House.
Developed by the Australian Fashion Council and R.M.Williams, the ten-year strategy outlines plans to strengthen Australia’s textile, clothing and footwear manufacturing sector, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, skills development, and increasing demand for Australian-made products.
Cotton Australia’s Brooke Summers said the strategy recognises the important role natural fibres such as cotton play in Australia’s textile supply chain.
“Australia produces large volumes of high-quality cotton that is valued around the world, but most of it is processed offshore before returning as finished products. This makes traceability difficult, with the common practice of blending various cotton origins at the spinning mill,” Brooke said.
“On-shoring would allow brands committed to sourcing Australian cotton to produce locally and potentially enable Australia to export high-quality yarns made from 100% Australian cotton. This would make attaching our sustainability credentials and data to these products much easier.
“Cotton Australia supports the Strategy’s pillar to encourage more government procurement of locally grown natural fibres and would love to see our circularity vision and the AFC Strategy come together in regional hubs that provide employment opportunities and value-add for our farmers.”
The strategy also highlights opportunities to grow Australia’s premium textile and apparel sector, supported by the country’s natural fibre production and increasing demand for traceable and responsibly produced materials.
“There’s no doubt Australian brands want to support Australian cotton, evidenced by a tripling of our licensing program in the last three years,” Brooke said.
“Local manufacturing, where economically viable, will support both the textile and apparel sector and Australian agriculture.”
March 2026