A high-level trade delegation from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (MIIT) completed a week-long visit to the United States from July 23 to 29, aiming to boost exports, attract investment, and strengthen commercial ties under the national “Made in Uzbekistan” branding initiative.
The visit marked a significant step forward in Uzbekistan’s efforts to integrate into global supply chains, particularly in the U.S. market. As part of the mission, 25 Uzbek textile and garment manufacturers exhibited their latest collections at three prominent sourcing platforms in New York: Texworld NYC, Apparel Sourcing USA, and Home Textiles Sourcing Expo.
At these events, Uzbek companies engaged in high-level B2B meetings with industry giants and sourcing agents, including Levi Strauss & Co., PVH Corp., GIII Apparel Group, Kontoor Brands, American Eagle Outfitters, Tapestry Inc., Bunzl plc, Macy’s, as well as trade associations like the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA).
Expanding Access and Investment Through Government Talks
In Washington, D.C., the Uzbek delegation held strategic discussions with officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP). These meetings focused on reducing regulatory barriers, enhancing trade facilitation, and providing technical support to Uzbek exporters in meeting U.S. certification, labeling, and packaging standards. Joint seminars and webinars are being planned to further these efforts.
The delegation also met with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Cotton Association, where talks centered on expanding Uzbekistan’s access to the GSM-102 export credit guarantee program. A proposed “Made from U.S. Cotton” initiative would allow Uzbek textile goods manufactured with U.S.-grown cotton to carry a special international certification—helping to position Uzbek exports more competitively in global markets.
Challenges and Controversy Over Aid Cuts
However, the visit was shadowed by a parallel development in Washington. During a cabinet meeting at the White House, U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced the termination of over $38 million in foreign aid, including the cancellation of a labor rights program in Uzbekistan’s cotton sector.
The program, launched in 2022 and slated to continue through 2026, was designed to improve labor conditions and eliminate forced labor. It had received $2 million in its first year and was allocated $1 million for 2025, now suspended. The move has raised concerns about oversight and sustainability in Uzbekistan’s labor reform efforts, especially in the cotton and textile sectors.
Looking Ahead
Despite this setback, the Uzbek delegation’s outreach was widely seen as a positive step toward building long-term commercial partnerships with U.S. stakeholders. As Uzbekistan positions itself as a responsible, reform-minded player in the global apparel and textile arena, its “Made in Uzbekistan” campaign is gaining visibility among American buyers.
The outcomes of this visit—both in terms of market access and regulatory alignment—are expected to pave the way for stronger trade flows, expanded investment, and a more prominent role for Uzbekistan in global fashion sourcing networks.
