HS Code:
The category 'Purchased and entered pursuant to the Secretary of Agriculture's Special Cotton Import Quota Announcement Number 14' refers to a specific quota system for cotton imports established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This quota allows for the importation of certain cotton products under special conditions to balance domestic production and international trade needs. It typically includes raw cotton or cotton products that are subject to specific tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) to protect domestic industries while meeting market demand. This category falls under specific Harmonized System (HS) codes related to cotton, often within Chapter 52 of the HS nomenclature, though the exact code is not provided in this query. The system aims to regulate supply and ensure fair competition in the U.S. market.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 50,000 metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map
20,000 metric tons
40% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
15,000 metric tons
30% of total trade of total trade
Stable
10,000 metric tons
20% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
3,000 metric tons
6% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
2,000 metric tons
4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
4.4 cents per kilogram (within quota limits)
Highest Rate
Up to 31.4 cents per kilogram (out-of-quota rate)
Lowest Rate
0% (under specific trade agreements or within quota)
Increased demand for sustainable cotton
Countries with certified sustainable cotton production, like Brazil and Australia, are gaining larger shares of the quota due to U.S. consumer and regulatory preferences for environmentally friendly products.
2021-2022
Fluctuations in global cotton prices
Price volatility due to weather conditions and geopolitical tensions has led to shifts in sourcing, with the U.S. adjusting quota allocations to stabilize domestic supply chains.
2020-2022
Technological advancements in cotton processing
Improved ginning and processing technologies in exporting countries have enhanced the quality of cotton entering under this quota, benefiting U.S. textile manufacturers.
2019-2022
The USDA announced an adjustment to the Special Cotton Import Quota Announcement Number 14, increasing the allowable import volume by 10% to address domestic shortages caused by drought in key U.S. cotton-producing regions.
March 2023
This expansion is expected to benefit exporters like Brazil and India while providing relief to U.S. textile industries facing raw material constraints.
The U.S. introduced stricter sustainability and traceability requirements for cotton imported under special quotas, aligning with global standards for ethical and environmental practices.
January 2023
Exporters must now provide detailed certifications, potentially increasing costs but favoring countries with established sustainable practices.
Negotiations under the U.S.-Brazil trade framework resulted in a slight increase in Brazilโs quota allocation under Announcement Number 14, reflecting stronger bilateral trade ties.
October 2022
This development strengthens Brazilโs position as the leading supplier under this quota, potentially reducing shares for other countries.