The National Cotton Council’s leaders champion the cotton industry’s interests in Washington, D.C., advocating for crucial economic and legislative support.
What was the purpose of the recent visit to Washington, D.C. by leaders of the NCC?
NCC Chairman Patrick Johnson and I traveled to Washington, D.C. for a series of important meetings with the Administration and members of Congress. Our visit was part of a broader effort to address the pressing issues facing the cotton industry and to ensure that the voices of cotton producers are heard at the highest levels of government.
What were the main topics discussed during your visit?
Patrick and I met with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, officials from the Department of Treasury, and senior staff from both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Our discussions were comprehensive and covered several critical topics. One of our primary concerns was the dire economic conditions currently affecting the cotton industry. We highlighted the increased competition from Brazilian cotton and synthetic fibers, which has put significant pressure on U.S. cotton producers. Additionally, we discussed the impact of textile imports under the de minimis exemption, which allows certain goods to enter the U.S. duty-free, further challenging domestic producers.
Another major topic was the necessity of a new Farm Bill that would be effective for the 2025 crop. We emphasized the importance of an enhanced safety net within this legislation to protect cotton producers from market volatility and other economic challenges. We also explored opportunities to spur cotton demand through innovative measures such as tax credits for brands and retailers who can fully document the use of U.S. cotton in their textiles and apparel. This initiative aims to incentivize the use of domestically produced cotton and boost demand.
Our discussions included the federal government’s role in addressing the health impacts of microplastics and microfibers from synthetic garments. This issue is becoming increasingly important as awareness grows about the environmental and health risks associated with synthetic fibers.
What other advocacy efforts did the NCC undertake?
In addition to our meetings, Patrick wrote a letter to President Trump urging the continuation of duty-free trade on USMCA qualified textile and apparel products. Preserving duty-free trade is crucial for the economic viability of the U.S. cotton and textile industry.
The NCC also joined over 300 organizations in a letter to USTR Jamieson Greer, urging his office to refrain from imposing Section 301 remedies against the Chinese shipping industry. The letter argued that USTR’s proposed fees on Chinese shipping operators could increase container shipping costs by at least 25 percent and potentially lead ocean carriers to divert cargo to Canada or Mexico. It also pointed out that the U.S. does not have the capacity to achieve the goal of revitalizing U.S. shipbuilding within the seven-year timeframe envisioned by the USTR, urging avoidance of actions that would significantly impact stakeholders relying on efficient maritime services.
Finally, the NCC advocated for a permanent extension of Section 199a deductions. This tax provision allows owners of pass-through businesses to deduct up to 20 percent of business income from their ordinary income. Making it permanent will provide much-needed certainty for producers planning future investments.