The National Council of Textile Organizations and the American Fiber Manufacturers Association said March 8 that they have merged, which the groups say will expand financial and political reach for the textile industry.
The merger is expected to go into effect April 1, and the groups will operate as the National Council of Textile Organizations.
"The NCTO merger with AFMA strengthens the U.S. textile industry's ability to influence federal policy," NCTO Chairman William McCrary said in a statement. "It also cements NCTO's status as the voice of every facet of the U.S. textile production chain."
AFMA Chairman Mark Ruday said the merger will expand the reach of federal policy influence for fiber producers. "As a multi-billion industry with tens of thousands of employees, it is critical that the U.S. man-made fiber sector stay engaged in Washington," he said.
NCTO President and CEO Auggie Tantillo will continue to serve in his role, according to the groups.
The merger comes at a time when existing textile and fiber supply chains are being threatened by the rework of several trade agreements, including the North American Free Trade Agreement and the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, as well as continued trade rhetoric with China.
According to the NCTO, U.S. textiles and apparel shipments were valued at $77.9 billion in 2017, while U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were valued at $28.6 billion in 2015.
