Uniqlo faces backlash after CEO claims no Xinjiang cotton used

In late November 2024, controversy erupted in China surrounding Uniqlo's sourcing practices after Tadashi Yanai, the CEO of the company, claimed in an interview that Uniqlo does not source cotton from the Xinjiang region. This statement comes amid ongoing international scrutiny regarding the alleged use of forced labor in Xinjiang, where many Uyghurs and Hui Muslims reside. Over the past decade, serious allegations have been raised about human rights abuses committed by the Chinese government against these minority groups. As a result, several global brands, including Uniqlo, have found themselves under pressure from consumers in both China and the international market regarding their supply chain practices. Following Yanai's remarks, social media backlash was swift, with calls for a boycott of Uniqlo gaining momentum on Chinese platforms such as Weibo. Users expressed outrage and suggested they would cease purchasing Uniqlo products due to the CEO's perceived arrogance and the company's stance on sourcing Xinjiang cotton. The Xinjiang region is renowned for producing high-quality cotton, accounting for a significant portion of China and the globe's cotton supply. Previous instances, such as H&M's withdrawal from Chinese e-commerce platforms, illustrate the risks brands face when they make decisions based on human rights advocacy rather than catering to regional consumer preferences. Observers note that China's market, particularly in Greater China, represents over 20 percent of Uniqlo's revenue, indicating the high stakes involved for the Japanese retailer.