U.S. Cotton Producers Seek Direct Relationship with Bangladesh’s Textile Sector**

Direct sourcing from farmers can bridge the cost gap while ensuring superior quality products

U.S. cotton producers are keen to establish direct ties with Bangladesh’s textile industry, as revealed during a high-level strategic dialogue held at a hotel in the capital on Thursday (July 17). The dialogue, organized by the Bangladeshi-American organization AmeriBangla Corporation, aimed to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the United States and Bangladesh.[

The event brought together leading figures from Bangladesh’s readymade garments (RMG) sector, top trade officials, representatives from the U.S. agricultural sector, and members of domestic and international media. The discussion focused on establishing a farmer-to-factory supply chain, bypassing profit-driven intermediaries, to connect U.S. cotton farmers directly with Bangladeshi textile mills. Speaking at the event, AmeriBangla’s CEO, Aswar Rahman, said, “Currently, U.S. cotton costs five to six cents more per pound compared to cotton imported from West Africa, Brazil, or India. Direct sourcing from farmers can bridge this cost gap while ensuring superior quality products.” Rahman further noted, “This timely initiative comes at a time when concerns are growing about the future of Bangladesh’s garment sector, as ongoing government-to-government negotiations have yet to secure favorable terms for Bangladeshi exporters. To address this uncertainty, AmeriBangla has launched a new initiative aimed at fostering direct commercial partnerships between Bangladeshi garment exporters and U.S. cotton farmers and processors.” A senior garment executive expressed support for the initiative but emphasized the need for long-term price guarantees, stating, “We support this idea, but we need assurances on stable pricing. If the U.S. benefits, prices could rise.” To support this initiative, AmeriBangla plans to launch an overseas showroom to display garments made from U.S. cotton. It is hoped that future U.S. trade policies will encourage the use of domestic fibers in global exports.

The event, moderated by AmeriBangla’s CEO Aswar Rahman, was attended by executives from Hamim Group, Jamuna Group, Sad Group, Divine Group, True Group, and RPM Group, as well as BKMEA Vice President Mohammad Rashed, Director Minhajul Haque, Twine Nagel’s Barkat Ullah Saeed, and AmeriBangla’s Senior Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Ali Ahmed Khan. BSS