Uniqlo faces online China backlash over Xinjiang cotton comments
Published On Nov 29, 2024, 7:39 AM
Uniqlo is facing significant backlash in China after its parent company's CEO, Tadashi Yanai, confirmed that the retailer does not source cotton from the controversial Xinjiang region. This statement has ignited calls for a boycott on Chinese social media, with trending hashtags expressing support for Xinjiang cotton. The situation reflects ongoing tensions regarding forced labor allegations linked to the Uyghur population in Xinjiang, which has previously led other brands to suffer backlash in China. Uniqlo managed to avoid previous controversies but now may struggle with public opinion in China after this statement.
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Given the recent backlash and calls for boycott on Chinese social media, Uniqlo's sales in China could be negatively impacted. With many consumers ready to act on sentiments against brands perceived as not supporting Xinjiang cotton, it points towards a difficult situation for Uniqlo in maintaining its market position in China.