Improved Cotton Fiber Properties - The Textile Industry's Key to Success in Global Competition

Helmut Deussen


 
ABSTRACT

For several years there has been a growing awareness in this country that the health of the cotton producers is inextricably intertwined with the health of its customer, the textile industry. As breeders, farmers, and ginners are learning about the concerns of spinners, weavers, and knitters, the manufacturers of textiles are broadening their knowledge of the complex problems involved in delivering good and consistent cotton fiber quality.

I appreciate the opportunity your leaders have given me to contribute to this deepening dialogue of understanding. l will attempt to explain why the textile industry is forced to place much greater emphasis than in the past on fiber properties, why it needs stronger, finer, and cleaner cottons, and why a high-tech fiber technology is a key to success in the ever-sharpening competition between US textile producers and the rest of the world.

The major driving forces in this competition are clearly quality and cost. A more discriminating consumer in most world markets, including our own, demands textile products of higher quality. At the same time, their production and distribution costs must be reduced to compete with low labor costs in other countries or with trade distortions of all kinds.

We will examine these quality and cost issues in some detail; but first, let me put into perspective the share of cotton in the production cost of a pound of yarn.



Reprinted from 1993 Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences pp. 90 - 96
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998