NCC Welcomes Tai Confirmation

The National Cotton Council welcomed today’s unanimous Senate confirmation of Katherine Tai as U.S. Trade Representative – a step that can protect U.S. cotton’s success in the global marketplace.

NCC Chairman Kent Fountain, a Georgia cotton producer and ginner, said, “Tai has proven to be a skillful negotiator who we believe can advance workable trade pacts and enforce them. This is crucial as we are acutely focused on the importance of fair and reciprocal trading relationships that offer opportunities for the cotton and textile industries to expand exports of cotton fiber, yarn and fabrics.”

Fountain noted that Tai’s recent efforts at gaining widespread support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement also provide the U.S. cotton industry with assurance regarding her negotiating skills.

As the central organization for the U.S. cotton industry, the Memphis-based NCC serves as the unifying force in working with policymakers to ensure cotton's interests are heard. The NCC’s mission is ensuring the industry’s seven segments’ ability to compete effectively and profitably in the raw cotton, oilseed and U.S.-manufactured product markets at home and abroad.