FACTORS FOR ENHANCING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF COTTON FIBER IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Cotton fiber, despite facing intensifying competition from synthetic alternatives particularly polyester, which commanded 59% of global fiber production in 2024 — retains indispensable attributes of breathability, biodegradability, and consumer preference. This article investigates the key determinants of cotton fiber's competitiveness in the global textile industry through a multi-factor analysis encompassing raw material quality, technological upgrading, sustainability certification, market diversification, and value chain integration. Empirical data are drawn from USDA, Textile Exchange, COMTRADE, and industry market reports covering the period 2020–2024. A comparative analysis of leading cotton-exporting nations — including Brazil, India, and Uzbekistan — is conducted. The findings reveal that competitiveness is primarily driven by fiber quality improvement, adoption of precision agriculture and advanced ginning technologies, sustainability certification uptake, and strategic transition from raw fiber exports toward finished, high-value textile products. The case of Uzbekistan is examined in depth, where textile exports grew from approximately USD 6 million in 2017 to USD 3.1 billion in 2023, demonstrating the transformative impact of cluster-based industrial policy and vertical integration. The article concludes with policy recommendations for cotton-producing developing economies to enhance long-term competitiveness in the global textile market.