Consistent quality, little or no contamination, attractive GSM
credit facilities (for United States cotton), the availability of
cheaper priced cotton from neighbouring suppliers (Greece, the
Syrian Arab Republic, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, etc.) are given as
determining factors for Turkey's rising imports from these
countries. The Turkish industry's experience with West and Central African
cotton is, however, relatively new. Cotton is imported to Turkey
from LDCs generally through international cotton trading companies,
some of which have offices in those countries. The main reasons for
preferring to trade with intermediary companies, instead of
purchasing direct from the country of origin, are that the
international traders: - Are well known and often trusted by both sides;
- Can prepare and offer the most suitable cotton for the
importer, since they are familiar with importers' exact needs;
- Can arrange and follow up shipments more efficiently and with
less cost;
- Can solve conflicts more easily and quickly.
The overall assessment of Turkish commission agents and textile
mills of cotton from LDCs is mixed. Inconsistency of quality,
contamination, and long and costly shipments are some of the
problem areas mentioned.42 The recommendations to LDC
exporters would be to minimize contamination, improve quality
parameters, develop common standards and allow introductory price
differentials until importers are well informed and experienced
with their cotton.
42Personal communication with
commission agents, importers and textile mills importing cotton
from LDCs, 2006. |