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DHAKA, July 18, 2025 (BSS) - Cotton producers of the United States (US) have sought direct tie-up with Bangladesh textile sector.

The information was revealed at a strategic dialogue at a hotel in the city brought together Bangladesh's garment manufacturers and US cotton farmers with a shared goal: a direct commercial alliance that could reshape bilateral trade, said a press release.
 
Bangladeshi-American firm AmeriBangla Corporation organised the dialogue on Thursday which drew leaders from Bangladesh's RMG sector, American agricultural stakeholders, and global trade professionals.

At the heart of discussions was a plan to bypass profit-driven middlemen and establish a farmer-to-factory supply chain between US cotton growers and Bangladeshi textile mills.

Speaking on the occasion, AmeriBangla CEO Aswar Rahman said US cotton currently costs 5-6 cents more per pound than imports from West Africa, Brazil, or India.

Direct procurement from farmers could eliminate this cost gap-while also delivering superior quality, he added.

He said the proposed deal comes at a critical time for Bangladesh's apparel industry, which faces geopolitical headwinds and growing concern over future US trade policy.

"We support the idea, but we need long-term price guarantees," said a leading garment executive. "Once the US gains leverage, price hikes could follow."

To support the push, AmeriBangla plans to launch an overseas showroom showcasing apparel made from US cotton, anticipating that future US trade policy may incentivise the use of homegrown fibre in global exports.

Participants at the event included executives from Hamim Group, Jamuna Group, Saad Group, Divine Group, True Group, and RPM Group, as well as representatives from Marubeni, BKMEA, Kuehne + Nagel, and AmeriBangla. 

The session was moderated by Rahman, with retired Brigadier General Ali Ahmed Khan acting as senior advisor.