China Cotton Association WeChat Public Account: August 2nd Statement:
On July 31, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security listed 43 Chinese companies, including those engaged in cotton textile production, on the Entity List under the Uniform Labor Standards Act (UFLPA). This is the largest expansion since the list was established, and it seriously violates basic international trade norms. The China Cotton Association expresses its strong concern and firm opposition to this action.
The US accusations of "forced labor" have no factual or legal basis. China's cotton industry has always adhered to a market-oriented and modern development path. At present, machine-picked cotton accounts for more than 90% of the total production. From planting, picking to processing and textile production, the entire industry chain has achieved high automation and scale. The labor rights of cotton farmers and industrial workers are strictly protected by Chinese law. They have full freedom in choosing their employment, and there is no such thing as forced labor. Ignoring this objective fact, the US applies "presumption of guilt" against Chinese enterprises. In essence, this attempts to politicize and instrumentalize human rights issues, with the aim of hindering the development of China's cotton textile industry.
This sanction has seriously undermined the stability of the global cotton industry chain and supply chain. As a global commodity, the cotton industry chain is highly internationalized. The actions taken by the US have harmed the legal rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
Facing the suppression from the US side, China's cotton industry is confident and capable of dealing with the challenges. China has the most complete cotton and textile industry chain in the world, a vast domestic consumer market, and an increasingly diversified international market layout. We call on domestic cotton and textile enterprises to maintain their resolve, strengthen their confidence, enhance cooperation, actively explore diversified markets, and increase the resilience of their supply chains. By producing high-quality products and maintaining irreplaceable industrial advantages, they can break through external blockades.
The China Cotton Association will continue to support and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese cotton and textile enterprises. It will actively promote the "Sustainable Development Project for Chinese Cotton," adhering to the principles of "environmentally friendly, high-quality products, respect for labor, and full traceability." The association will ensure transparent information disclosure and effective corporate oversight, making the green attributes of products visible, quantifiable, verifiable, and traceable. This will help to create a high-quality and sustainable image for China's cotton and textile industries.
