On December 23 (U.S. local time), the Biden administration signed the so-called “H.R.6256 Xinjiang-related bill” passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, which excludes Xinjiang products from entering the U.S. market. This has seriously and grossly harmed China’s overall interests, triggered Chinese society, textile Huge outrage from industry and consumers. In this regard, the China National Textile and Apparel Industry Federation and 12 industry associations in the entire China textile industry chain jointly stated as follows:
1. The Chinese textile industry fully agrees with the relevant position of the Chinese government. We firmly oppose the U.S.’s unilateral trade hegemony that hinders Xinjiang products from entering the international supply chain through its domestic legislation and administrative measures. In March, August 2020 and March 2021, the China Textile and Apparel Industry Federation has issued solemn statements and reports on the so-called “Xinjiang-related” bill of the United States, the “Xinjiang Supply Chain Commercial Consultation Announcement” and the exclusion of Xinjiang cotton by some international brands. Express strong dissatisfaction.
2. The U.S.’s latest so-called Xinjiang-related legislation attempts to use the “presumption of guilt” to impose forged “forced labor” labels on all goods produced in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, setting a bad and dangerous precedent in the field of international economic and trade rules. Implementing the so-called “rebuttable presumption” by U.S. Customs, erecting trade barriers to prevent Xinjiang products from entering the U.S. market, and maliciously threatening multinational companies to independently purchase Xinjiang products not only violates fair and reasonable market economy and free trade rules, but also clearly infringes upon The legitimate rights and interests of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang to develop the economy and improve their living standards through international trade are essentially bullying behaviors that seriously violate Xinjiang’s basic human rights, interfere with and destroy the international supply chain, and harm the interests of the international business community and consumers.
3. Xinjiang cotton is a high-quality natural fiber raw material recognized by the global industry. It better meets the rigid consumer demand for cotton textiles and clothing worldwide and is an important raw material guarantee for the healthy and sustainable development of China and even the global textile industry. In recent years, not only has cotton planting and production remained stable in Xinjiang, but the cotton textile and clothing industries have also developed rapidly, playing an important role in promoting regional economic development, providing employment for people of all ethnic groups, and improving people’s livelihood and well-being. Xinjiang’s cotton cultivation and cotton spinning industry are an important part of the global textile supply chain. In 2021, Xinjiang’s cotton output was 5.129 million tons, accounting for about 20% of global cotton output. The US government’s suppression of Xinjiang cotton and its products is bound to seriously harm the world The security of the textile industry supply chain harms the vital interests of tens of millions of industrial workers around the world, and we strongly oppose this.
4. In January 2021, the Xinjiang Textile Industry Association released a detailed and objective “Xinjiang Cotton Textile Industry Social Responsibility Report”. The report fully demonstrated with detailed data and information that there is no so-called “forced labor” in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. We recommend that all relevant stakeholders in the global textile industry review the content and views of the Report, respect values based on facts, reject hypocritical political operations, and oppose malicious rumors. We welcome international brands and institutions, including their American counterparts, to visit Xinjiang’s cotton producing areas and textile and garment factories to independently understand and judge relevant facts. We are willing to provide convenience and assistance for relevant inspections and trade and investment cooperation.
5. We hereby call on the United States to face up to the solemn stance of the Chinese government, industry and consumers and correct erroneous legislative and administrative measures as soon as possible. At the same time, international brands and the Chinese textile industry are a community of interests and destiny. We call on all international brands to respect the legitimate rights and interests of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the Chinese textile industry, respect the right of free choice of more than 7 billion consumers around the world, and resist obviously malicious and unfair practices. Trade bullying, avoid politicizing business issues, and do not become a victim of the anti-China forces in the United States. Depending on the further development of the situation, we will support the Chinese government in taking all necessary countermeasures to safeguard Xinjiang’s interests and industrial interests.
6. China has the world’s largest textile and apparel industry with the most complete and independent industrial chain. It has obvious international competitive advantages. It has also built the world’s largest textile and apparel intermediate product market and retail market. In the past few decades of development, China’s textile industry has formed mutually beneficial and win-win supply chain cooperation relationships with a large number of international brands and purchasers. Since the COVID-19 epidemic last year, China’s textile industry has made important contributions to the global supply of anti-epidemic materials such as masks and protective clothing by virtue of its supporting industrial chain, high efficiency and production capacity advantages, as well as the tireless efforts of industrial workers. The United States should not burn bridges by crossing rivers. At the same time, China’s textile and apparel consumer market, which ranks first in the world in terms of retail sales, is also fully open to international brands. We firmly believe that the Chinese textile industry will unite, do its own thing well, and effectively respond to the malicious provocation of the so-called “U.S. Xinjiang-related Act”. With the support of all domestic and foreign consumers and industry partners who believe in justice, we are confident and more capable of safeguarding the industrial safety and legitimate rights and interests of China’s entire textile industry chain and realizing the sustainable and healthy development of China’s textile industry.
7. As the representative of the collective interests of China’s textile and garment industry, the China National Textile and Apparel Federation and 12 industry associations in the entire textile industry chain hereby promise that we will continue to firmly support the planting and production of Xinjiang cotton and firmly support the development of Xinjiang cotton and its products. Domestic and foreign trade and consumption fully support the prosperity and development of Xinjiang’s textile and clothing industry. We believe that justice lies in the heart of the people. China’s textile industry will cooperate with the world��Partners work closely to eliminate interference and make every effort to ensure the normal operation of the international textile and apparel industry chain supply chain.
China Textile Industry Federation
China Cotton Textile Industry Association China Wool Textile Industry Association
China Hemp Textile Industry Association China Silk Association
China Chemical Fiber Industry Association China Printing and Dyeing Industry Association
China Knitting Industry Association China Home Textiles Industry Association
China Filament Weaving Association China Industrial Textiles Industry Association
China Textile Machinery Association China Garment Association
December 25, 2021
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