In the face of tariffs and supply chain disruptions, Xinjiang cotton has emerged stronger, defying expectations and showcasing the resilience of one of the world's most vital textile regions. CGTN's Tian Wei recently sat down with Marjorie Yang, chairperson of Hong Kong-based Esquel Group, to explore how the industry transformed adversity into opportunity.
Yang recounted how the sudden loss of long-term clients became a catalyst for innovation. "We shifted focus to sustainability and vertical integration," she explained, emphasizing investments in organic farming and AI-driven production. The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region now produces 20% of the world's premium cotton, with Esquel's operations supporting over 8,000 local jobs.
The sector's revival carries broader implications for Asian markets. Textile exports from the Chinese mainland to ASEAN countries grew 14% year-on-year in Q1 2024, signaling renewed confidence in Xinjiang's supply chains. For global investors, this rebound highlights opportunities in sustainable manufacturing and agricultural technology.
As Yang noted: "True resilience isn't about surviving storms—it's about learning to dance in the rain." Xinjiang's cotton journey offers lessons in economic adaptation that resonate across industries and borders.
