Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently signed a resolution on measures to accelerate reforms and expand export potential in the textile and knitwear industry, setting a 9-per cent increase in 2026 production to 146 trillion soums and boosting exports to $3.3 billion.

Measures to back financial recovery include restructuring the debts of cotton-textile clusters on loans issued from the State Agricultural Support Fund for the 2022-2023 harvest.

For clusters with collateralised assets, interest payments will be deferred until the principal is repaid. Those who met obligations on time will be refunded half of interest paid, while accrued penalties on overdue interest as of August 1, 2025, will be written off.

Uzbekistan has announced measures to accelerate reforms and expand export potential in the textile and knitwear industry, targeting a 9-per cent rise in 2026 production and an export boost to $3.3 billion.
Debts of cotton-textile clusters would be restructured and beginning September 1, a reduced social tax rate of 1 per cent will be imposed for three years on these and textile and knitwear enterprises.

Farmers will receive subsidies of 1 million soums this year for each tonne of raw cotton sold to processors via exchange trading to ensure uninterrupted cotton harvesting. Clusters and enterprises financing cotton cultivation or procurement with their own funds will be reimbursed 10 per cent of its cost, according to domestic media reports.

Beginning September 1, a reduced social tax rate of 1 per cent will be imposed for three years on cotton-textile clusters and textile and knitwear enterprises. In addition, customs duties will be waived off on blended fabrics, textiles and raw materials for the leather and silk industries not produced in Uzbekistan.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

The global trade landscape is undergoing a significant reshaping spurred by the imposition of tariffs by the United States. While countries hit with higher tariffs are scrambling to cushion the blow through strategies like market diversification and so on, those enjoying relatively lower tariffs are moving quickly to capitalise on their competitive edge.

Uzbekistan, a rising power in the global apparel export domain, is one such name that is preparing to establish a stronger foothold in the US textile market.

Uzbekistan is working to strengthen its presence in the $100 billion US textile market through initiatives like opening trading houses in St. Louis and New York.
To boost exports and competitiveness, Uzbekistan is investing in modernising its textile sector even as reforms are reportedly focused on upgrading technology, improving compliance, and securing international certifications.

Speaking to Fibre2Fashion Isomiddin Mirzayev, the head of international relations and foreign investment at the Uztextile Industry Association, shared that while new US tariffs are often layered over existing ones—raising the risk of double taxation—Uzbek products still face lower overall duties compared to many other countries.

“The overall tariff burden on Uzbek goods remains lower than that on some other countries, potentially giving us a competitive edge—especially as buyers shift orders away from China,” underlined Isomiddin.

With deep roots in cotton production, Uzbekistan is taking calculated steps to expand its reach into the $100 billion US textile market.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced plans to open two textile trading houses in key American cities—St. Louis and New York—as part of this broader strategic vision. These hubs are expected to serve as promotional and sales centres, linking Uzbek manufacturers directly with US retailers, fashion brands, and buyers.

This move is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a practical and targeted effort to tap into one of the world’s most lucrative consumer markets. The idea is to eliminate intermediaries and create direct lines of communication between producers and buyers, thereby improving efficiency, responsiveness, and profitability.

By placing trading houses in cities with commercial significance and a well-established fashion ecosystem, Uzbekistan is positioning itself to play a more proactive role in the global apparel supply chains.

“Even though the actual export volume remains modest still— under $2 million annually, with proper positioning, a targeted marketing strategy, and optimised logistics, Uzbekistan could significantly increase its export volumes to the US,” claimed Isomiddin in an earlier interaction.

The trading houses, if industry insiders are to be believed, are just one aspect of a much broader push to modernise the Uzbek textile industry, which has been grappling with external pressures such as falling global cotton prices lately.

Recognising the availability of raw material alone is not enough, the government has reportedly launched a series of reforms aimed at upgrading infrastructure, technology, and compliance standards.

According to reports, a $200 million preferential fund has also been allocated to help manufacturers modernise operations and meet export goals. The focus is not only on increasing output but also on elevating the quality and traceability of products to meet international standards.

One of the critical steps in this modernisation journey is improving industry credibility through global certifications.

Uzbekistan is reportedly aiming to have at least 300 textile firms certified to international standards, making them more attractive to buyers who prioritise sustainability, ethical sourcing, and quality assurance.

These certifications are not just badges of compliance; they are gateways to larger orders and longer-term contracts from established brands.

In parallel, the government is also said to be investing in technological upgrades, which will help streamline operations, enhance inventory and supply chain visibility, and enable better decision-making at all levels of the production process.

The country is also reportedly turning to artificial intelligence to boost productivity, improve transparency, and reinforce traceability in the textile sector, according to industry insiders, who claimed that subsidies are also being offered to train workers in digital tools and automation, with the ultimate aim of building a smart, agile, and responsive industry.

The Uzbek government is also reportedly eyeing the European market with the overarching goal to double exports of finished textile products. By shifting focus from commodity exports to finished goods, the country aims to retain more economic value, generate employment, and elevate its status as a competitive player in the global apparel ecosystem.

In a world where supply chains are increasingly scrutinised for transparency, ethics, and sustainability, Uzbekistan is making the right moves, feel experts, who are of the opinion that if effectively implemented, these measures could transform the country’s apparel industry drastically.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)

Artistic Milliners, a global leader in denim innovation, today announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Cone Denim from Elevate Textiles. The new multi-national company will operate under the historic Cone Denim name. Artistic Milliners’ Pakistan operations and business will continue to operate independently. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

Cone Denim will offer fully vertical, end-to-end solutions – ranging from premium denim fabric to expertly finished garments. “We are committed to bringing the full breadth of our expertise to help unlock Cone’s competitive strengths. Cone Denim will preserve its unique identity while continuing to drive its own business strategy. Our goal is to collaborate closely with the Cone Denim team, building on the legacy and achievements of more than 130 years,” said Murtaza Ahmed and Omer Ahmed of Artistic Milliners in a joint statement.

Artistic Milliners has acquired a majority stake in Cone Denim from Elevate Textiles, forming a new multinational under the Cone Denim name.
Cone will run mills in Mexico, China, and the US, plus Artistic’s facilities in Mexico and LA.
Led by Cone president Steve Maggard, the entity will offer end-to-end denim solutions, global reach, and expansion plans, including into North Africa.

The new entity will operate a global platform spanning both hemispheres and will be comprised of a combination of selected assets from each organization. Cone Denim will now operate its existing mills in Parras and Yecapixtla, Mexico and its facility in Jiaxing, China; as well as Artistic Milliners’ recently inaugurated garment facility in Parras, Mexico; and its Star Fades International (SFI) laundry and development center in Los Angeles.

The Ahmeds continued: “Cone Denim’s distinctive position as the iconic American manufacturer joins Artistic Milliners’ global portfolio, creating an international organization that leverages our collective infrastructure and expertise to offer customers unparalleled service and flexibility. Our multinational manufacturing locations will offer speed, scale and surety of supply.”

Cone Denim will continue to operate as a standalone portfolio company under Artistic Milliners. Steve Maggard, President of Cone Denim, will lead the new entity, reporting to the Board of Directors, which includes Omer Ahmed, Murtaza Ahmed, and Jeffrey P. Pritchett alongside to-be-determined directors.

Pritchett, CEO and member of the Board of Directors, Elevate Textiles added, “We are excited to unite two global denim leaders with shared values furthering the Cone Denim name and legacy. Cone Denim and Artistic Milliners both possess long-standing textile heritage and are recognized worldwide for their commitment to innovation, traceability, and sustainability. They are both well respected, responsible, and ethical manufacturers. As the new Cone Denim, we are able to better leverage synergies across our brands, operations, and global footprint including the return of Cone Denim production capabilities in the US and expansion into new global regions.”

Cone Denim and Artistic Milliners customers will continue to interact with their existing product and sales representatives and can anticipate the same high standard of service, delivery, and quality to be upheld.

“We remain committed to providing enhanced fabric variety, design innovation, and comprehensive garment services to our customers — this includes our planned expansion into North Africa,” Maggard added.

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)