The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), the leading trade association representing the entire U.S. textile supply chain from fiber to finished sewn products, held its fiscal year 2026 officer elections during its annual meeting from April 14 to 16. Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO and Founder of MMI Textiles, was elected Chair, with Jay Todd assuming the role of Vice Chair. This leadership change signals a strategic pivot for the organization at a time when the U.S. textile industry is navigating shifting trade policies and supply chain reconfiguration.
The newly elected leadership brings hands-on industry experience. Bruyn, who leads a diversified textile company, and Todd, both come from operational backgrounds, suggesting a continued focus on pragmatic policy advocacy. The NCTO chair traditionally coordinates member positions on trade, technology standards, and sustainability. The timing is critical: 2026 sees several key U.S. textile trade policy reviews, including the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), tariff adjustments on imports from certain Southeast Asian nations, and renegotiations of North American trade rules.
Industry Impact and Policy Context The U.S. textile sector faces dual pressures: rising imports from Asia, particularly China, squeezing mid- and low-end domestic production, and growing demand for sustainable and functional fabrics driving high-end local manufacturing. NCTO’s lobbying efforts typically focus on anti-dumping investigations, strengthening rules of origin, and promoting domestic R&D. Bruyn’s election may signal a shift toward greater emphasis on small and medium enterprises and innovation-driven firms. MMI Textiles is not an industry giant; her chairmanship could indicate an effort to balance the influence of larger corporations with smaller players.
Future Outlook and Practical Recommendations In the short term, the new leadership will prioritize extending several trade protection measures expiring in late 2026 and pushing for anti-circumvention investigations on certain imports. Long term, NCTO is likely to increase investment in circular economy initiatives and digital supply chain solutions to boost global competitiveness.
For Buyers - Monitor NCTO’s policy agenda: if stricter rules of origin are adopted, compliance costs for textiles sourced from Southeast Asia may rise; assess supply chain risks early. - Watch product shifts from member companies like MMI Textiles: Bruyn’s tenure may accelerate domestic development of sustainable and functional fabrics, offering new sourcing options.
For Exporters - Track NCTO’s annual recommendations to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), which may include tariff adjustment proposals targeting specific countries or product categories. - Evaluate whether your products fall under patents or standards held by NCTO members to avoid intellectual property issues or compliance barriers.
Overall, this leadership change reflects the U.S. textile industry’s effort to seek stability and innovation amid global uncertainty. The new team’s priorities will shape the sector’s influence on global textile trade over the next 12 to 18 months.