At the recent ‘Sustainable Sourcing Seminar 2025’ hosted by COTTON USA™ in Dhaka, the spotlight was on the rising role of U.S. cotton in supporting Bangladesh’s booming garment sector. Both the U.S. Embassy and the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) praised U.S. cotton for its superior quality and its potential to deepen economic ties between the two countries. U.S. Chargé d’affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson described U.S. cotton as an ideal match for Bangladesh’s textile needs, while BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell highlighted its promise in narrowing the trade gap — provided challenges around import lead times and costs are effectively managed.
At starting, the event’s Chief Guest, H.E. Tracey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh, remarked, “With its consistency, purity, and premium fiber quality, U.S. cotton is ideally suited to meet the needs of Bangladesh’s garment industry. These exports not only bolster American farmers but also ensure a dependable, high-quality supply chain, fostering prosperity and growth for both countries. In 2024, U.S. cotton exports to Bangladesh reached $250 million — a number the U.S. aims to substantially increase in 2025.”
In addition, Tracey Ann Jacobson underscores the importance of collaboration and sustainable practices in the textile industry.
Showkat Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), stated, “The U.S. stands as Bangladesh’s largest single export destination, with trade reaching $10.5 billion. Our current trade deficit of $6.2 billion (as of 2024) could be significantly narrowed if BTMA members expand their use of U.S. cotton. We have explored pathways to this goal with COTTON USA™, though challenges like the 90-day import lead time and higher costs remain. To address this, we are actively advocating for a government-supported warehousing facility, which could slash lead times to just 7 days and dramatically boost the use of the world’s finest cotton.”
After that, Ali Arsalan, Country Representative for COTTON USA™ in Bangladesh, shared his satisfaction in hosting the inaugural seminar dedicated to the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. He highlighted the robust attendance of around 70 supply chain leaders from major brands, many of whom are expanding their footprint in Bangladesh and driving greater demand for U.S. cotton in their sourcing strategies.
Arsalan reaffirmed COTTON USA’s commitment to supporting supply chain mills through future seminars and emphasized the advantages of high-quality, sustainable U.S. cotton for Bangladesh’s textile sector. He also pledged to strengthen collaborations with local spinning mills to further enhance sourcing opportunities.
Daren Abney, Executive Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, provided an update on the voluntary sustainability initiative for U.S. cotton growers and its comprehensive traceability platform. He highlighted the widespread participation of growers across 17 U.S. states and presented aggregate field-level data showing measurable progress in areas such as water and energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, improved land use, increased soil carbon, and decreased soil loss. Abney also emphasized the Protocol’s commitment to enhancing supply chain traceability, managing sourcing lists, and supporting responsible cotton consumption.
Meanwhile, Will Bettendorf, Regional Director for South Asia at Cotton Council International (CCI), reinforced U.S. cotton’s reputation for premium quality and consistent standards, proudly positioning COTTON USA™ as “The cotton the world trusts.”
Will Bettendorf outlined CCI’s strategic initiatives in Bangladesh, including collaborations with the BTMA and the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, efforts to scale up production, and the upcoming COTTON USA™ Sourcing Fair in Bangkok this September. He also highlighted the COTTON USA™-Bangladesh Leadership Forum, set for November 2025. Bettendorf emphasized that these initiatives are designed to enhance partner experiences and deliver greater value to their businesses.
The seminar also featured key presentations on critical aspects of the supply chain. Shahana Akter Kiron, Regional Lead , Textile Genesis, provided an in-depth overview of the Traceability & Supply Chain Transparency platform.
Shahana Akter Kiron’s presentation offered an in-depth look at Textile Genesis’s innovative Traceability & Supply Chain Transparency platform. Attendees gained valuable insights into how this technology enhances visibility and accountability across the textile supply chain, from raw material sourcing to finished product. The platform’s ability to track and verify the origin and journey of materials was emphasized as a vital tool for meeting growing consumer and regulatory demands for transparency and sustainability.
Furthermore, Azeezur Rahman Khan, Country Development Representative for The Woolmark Company, followed with a presentation on the natural fiber story, exploring the intersection of wool, sustainability, and cotton.
Azeezur Rahman Khan emphasized that The Woolmark Company is a strong advocate for sustainability in the textile industry, driving various initiatives focused on environmental responsibility and fostering a circular economy. Woolmark’s efforts include research and development aimed at advancing sustainable wool farming practices, reducing the environmental impact of wool processing, and promoting the natural biodegradability and recyclability of wool fibers.
Zoe Keay, Vice President of Sales at Oritain, presented their advanced traceability solution, underscoring the scientific certainty it provides in verifying the origin of products. In a market where up to 60% of sustainable fashion claims are reportedly false, Oritain’s technology offers a crucial advantage. Keay highlighted how Oritain can assist Bangladeshi manufacturers not only in meeting regulatory requirements but also in gaining a competitive edge by scientifically proving the origin of their U.S. cotton garments, potentially opening doors to better access in the U.S. market.
Along with them, Daniel Wong from Cotton Incorporated in Hong Kong shared valuable insights on initiatives focused on cotton reuse, recycling, and return. He emphasized the biodegradability of 100% cotton apparel and highlighted the increasing integration of recycling practices within the industry’s operations.
Prof. Muhammad Tausif, Technical Consultant at CCI, discussed the challenges and opportunities in Cotton Circularity, focusing on the journey of discarded clothing and the potential of mechanical recycling. He emphasized the superior performance of U.S. cotton when integrated into recycled blends, highlighting its critical role in advancing circularity within the textile industry.
Overall, the seminar attracted key stakeholders, including mills that use COTTON USA™, partner brands, and representatives from various sustainability platforms.
