U.S.-Africa Trade Desk Announces Landmark Cotton Export from North Carolina to Mauritius, Signaling New Era of Bilateral Trade

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a powerful demonstration of how U.S. agriculture is helping to reshape global supply chains, the U.S.-Africa Trade Desk (USATD) today announced the successful export of 300 tons of premium-grade cotton from North Carolina to Mauritius. The deal marks a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between the United States and Africa under the renewed U.S. drive to grow agricultural exports and promote reciprocal trade partnerships.

"This is more than a cotton shipment—it's a symbol of what's possible when U.S. farmers, African manufacturers, and trade facilitators work together toward shared prosperity," said William Fanjoy, Senior Trade Advisor at USATD. "The Trump administration has placed agriculture at the heart of its foreign trade strategy. Thanks to support from the U.S. Commercial Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this deal supports that vision and sets the stage for a surge in mutually beneficial commerce."

The high-quality, ethically sourced cotton will be used by Mauritius's thriving textile industry, renowned globally for its sophisticated knitwear and apparel exports. By sourcing directly from American producers, Mauritius enhances the integrity and traceability of its supply chains, while the U.S. cotton industry benefits from new, long-term market opportunities.

"We're delighted Mauritius will be importing high-quality cotton from the United States for its vital textile industry," said U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius, Henry Jardine. He added, "expanding trade increases prosperity for both our countries."

Mauritius, ranked among the most economically open and politically stable nations in Africa, is uniquely positioned to serve as a springboard for U.S. agricultural commodities and products into the broader African market. This export deal reflects a broader strategic push to recalibrate trade dynamics by prioritizing transparency, capacity-building, and co-investment.

"This shipment represents a win for American farmers, a win for African industry, and a win for free and fair trade," said Nezihi Aslankeser at Cotton Council International (CCI). "We are proud to support partnerships like this that align with global demand for sustainable and high-quality fiber." CEO of Firemount Textiles Ltd, Mauritius, Mr. Soma added, "We are proud to be the first official partner in this important initiative with USATD. By incorporating premium U.S. grown cotton into our denim jeans, destined for American consumers, we are expanding our global footprint while meeting the highest quality standards, expected by the U.S. retail market."

The U.S.-Africa Trade Desk plays a pivotal role in operationalizing this new trade diplomacy, serving as a bridge between U.S. suppliers and African buyers, while advancing infrastructure development and compliance systems that enable seamless cross-border commerce.

About the U.S.-Africa Trade Desk
The U.S.-Africa Trade Desk (USATD) is a U.S. company driving the evolving two-way trade between the United States and the African continent. USATD's mission is to facilitate a new era of commercial partnership—one that strengthens U.S. supply chain continuity and expands access to global markets for U.S. and African producers. Through strategic sourcing, rigorous compliance systems, and demand-driven execution, USATD ensures the seamless flow of high-quality goods into and out of the United States, benefiting both American producers and consumers and serving as the connective tissue between U.S. producers and retailers and vetted African suppliers and retailers. This integrated approach ensures that U.S. agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors have access to scalable, secure, and cost-effective sourcing alternatives—while empowering African businesses to meet the rigorous standards of the U.S. market. USATD is not just a bridge between continents—it is a stabilizing force in global commerce that brings tangible economic benefits to U.S. households and African communities alike. www.usafricatradedesk.com

For press inquiries or interviews, contact Jeremy Faber at [email protected]

Contact: Jeremy Faber, Communications Director, [email protected]

SOURCE US Africa Trade Desk