Uniqlo boss says firm does not use cotton from China's Xinjiang

Published On Nov 27, 2024, 6:47 PM

Tadashi Yanai, CEO of Fast Retailing, which owns Uniqlo, announced that the company does not use cotton from China's Xinjiang region, amid controversies over forced labor. This statement aims to align with increasing consumer scrutiny over human rights in the supply chain, particularly in the West. Uniqlo is expanding aggressively in Asia, especially China, which remains its largest market and manufacturing hub, despite the competitive landscape from fast fashion brands. Yanai has long-term ambitions to surpass Inditex, owner of Zara, as the world's largest fashion retailer. However, geopolitical tensions and potential increases in tariffs could impact Uniqlo’s aspirations.