The Impact of Xinjiang Cotton on the Fashion Industry

Xinjiang cotton has become a significant concern for the fashion industry due to its association with forced labor, particularly involving the Uyghur ethnic group. Until 2021, Xinjiang was responsible for 85% of China's cotton production and nearly a quarter of global supply, but investigations in that year revealed human rights violations linked to its harvesting. As a result, major Western brands like H&M, Nike, and Adidas publicly severed ties with Xinjiang cotton, leading to a noticeable decline in demand. This shift was met with a counter-response from the Chinese government, which denied the accusations and incited boycotts against brands that distanced themselves from Xinjiang cotton, further complicating the landscape for fashion retailers involved with this cotton source.