Uzbekistan is considering the import of cotton from the United States, the country’s Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade announced. The move follows a high-level visit by a delegation from the ministry to the United States from July 23 to 29.
The primary aim of the trip was to promote Uzbekistan’s exports under the Made in Uzbekistan brand, strengthen bilateral trade ties, and explore new opportunities for investment and cooperation.
As part of the visit, representatives from 25 Uzbek textile companies took part in leading industry exhibitions in New York City — including Texworld NYC, Apparel Sourcing USA, and Home Textiles Sourcing Expo — to showcase their products and seek international buyers.
During meetings with the U.S. Department of Commerce, both sides discussed reducing trade barriers, encouraging mutual investments, and integrating Uzbek goods — such as textiles, construction materials, electronics, and agricultural products — into major U.S. retail chains, including Amazon, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, Bloomingdale’s, and The Home Depot.
In parallel, discussions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Cotton Association centered on the possibility of Uzbekistan importing American cotton through the USDA’s GSM-102 program, which offers credit guarantees to facilitate agricultural exports. The talks also explored launching a “Made from US Cotton” initiative and raising the program’s credit limit to support Uzbek manufacturers.
Plans are underway to organize seminars and webinars for Uzbek businesses through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP), focusing on packaging, labeling, and certification processes aligned with U.S. market standards.
Earlier this year, Cotton Council International — a non-profit group that promotes U.S. cotton globally — met with Uzbekistan’s “Uzto‘tstikhisanoat” (Textile Industry Association) in Tashkent to discuss the advantages of American cotton and potential mechanisms for import and financing.
Cotton Council International, a U.S.-based organization, promotes American cotton and cotton-based products globally. It operates in over 20 countries and exports cotton fiber to 50 markets worldwide.
