Popular international brand Uniqlo is facing backlash from Chinese consumers following remarks made during a BBC interview [1] by its chairman, Tadashi Yanai, about not sourcing cotton from Xinjiang, a region in China’s far west. Yanai’s comments have sparked discussions on Chinese social media, with some users calling for a boycott of Uniqlo products. Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, based in Yamaguchi, is closely monitoring the situation.
The controversy stems from concerns over human rights in Xinjiang, where the U.S. has restricted trade due to allegations of forced labor—a claim Beijing has consistently denied. China is the world’s top cotton consumer and producer, with over 90% of its output from Xinjiang. Yanai’s remarks come after Beijing announced it would investigate the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein for suspected boycotting of Xinjiang cotton. Fast fashion giant H&M faced a similar backlash in 2021 after deciding to stop using cotton from the region.
China accounts for more than a fifth of Fast Retailing’s ¥3.1 trillion ($20.7 billion) revenue in the year ended August 2024. Uniqlo operates 2,509 stores worldwide, with 1,031 in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China, contributing over 20% of Fast Retailing’s revenue.
Following Yanai’s remarks, the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region’s Cotton Association has urged international companies to use cotton produced in Xinjiang. In a statement on its official WeChat account, the Association stated, “We hope international brands like Uniqlo can give Xinjiang cotton full respect and trust, and resume its use to maintain the development of the global textile industry.”
In addition, there are also concerns about the sustainability of cotton production in Xinjiang. Sustainable cotton farming practices, such as water conservation, responsible pest management, and promoting biodiversity, are essential for reducing the environmental impact of cotton cultivation. While Xinjiang cotton is known for its high quality, ensuring it is produced sustainably is crucial for minimizing its ecological footprint.
Sources:
[1] Uniqlo Parent Watching for China Boycott After CEO’s Xinjiang Remarks https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/retail/uniqlo-parent-watching-for-china-boycott-after-xinjiang-remarks/
