The competitiveness provisions in farm policy have been a popular tool for enhancing U.S. exports and domestic use of cotton. Prior research suggests that these provisions (embodied in part within the “Step 2” program) have increased U.S. exports of cotton. This study confirms prior research, but also finds that other factors in play since 1985, which may include unanticipated impacts of the competitiveness provisions, have also increased imports of foreign textile products to the detriment of the competitiveness of the overall U.S. cotton/textile sector. Although not definitive or complete, this research suggests that careful consideration of the competitiveness provisions approach, as well as other factors, is warranted.