ICA has recently heard the concerns from cotton buyers in Korea about the impact of much delayed shipment and the lack of direct communication from seller to buyer. These are buyers who take pride in their excellent relationships across the market, and whose commitment to safe trading is well established. They understand the huge disruption in international logistics and cotton supply chains. Nonetheless, they reminded the ICA about the significant impact this uncertainty about delivery timelines places on their manufacturing and has direct commercial impact.

We would like to remind our members of their contractual obligation to set realistic shipment dates. And to communicate to the buyer any changes to the delivery that are likely to impact the contractual shipment period.

In the event that a seller cannot achieve a shipment date due to matters beyond their control, we urge sellers and their agents to clearly communicate directly with the buyer, explaining any amended routes and/or shipment dates so both parties may agree their new plans without undue delay.

If this information is not shared promptly and as accurately as possible, the impact is felt not only by the buyers affected, but also the wider cotton community through damaged relationships and the weakening of our trading environment.