BCI, CICCA, ICA, ICAC and ITMF are unified in promoting a common set of values and shared commitment to safe trading and contract sanctity across the global cotton community.

The joint declaration states: “Our joint challenge today is to ensure that fair and equitable trade practices govern the commercial relationships throughout the cotton and textile supply chains. We believe that these principles have never been more important than they are now. The loss of demand resulting from COVID-19 and the preventative measures that are being applied throughout the world affects the cotton and textile sectors from end to end. It is essential for each trading partner to be mindful of each other’s position. We must strive to find mutual agreements which keep in mind our shared commitment to the long-term health of the international cotton and textile trade, and to the principles of fair and equitable trading practices on which it is built.”

Together the associations encourage that all those engaged in the cotton and textile value chains jointly and collaboratively commit to:

• Take actions that are considered and designed to contribute to the recovery of the cotton and textile sectors in 2021 and beyond

• Communicate, collaborate and be responsive to the needs of their counterparties

• Continue to respect the trade rules that govern the sectors

• Recognise and publicise positive behaviours.

Identify and call out negative, counter-productive commercial behaviours!

The international associations BCI, CICCA, ICAC and ITMF stress finally: “The strong sense of community in the cotton and textile world will continue to be a source of strength. The constraints we are currently facing will pass and many of the freedoms that we are used to are likely to return before too long. We have confidence in the future of our industry.”