During a cabinet meeting at the White House attended by President Donald Trump on April 30, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, US Labor Secretary announced the cancellation of a project focused on improving transparency and labor practices within Uzbekistan's cotton industry.

Having commenced in August 2022, the now-canceled Uzbek cotton project was originally slated to continue through 2026. It received $2 million in its initial year, with an additional $1 million earmarked for 2025. The project's aim was to enhance labor conditions and prevent forced labor within Uzbekistan’s cotton sector, while also assisting workers and employers in meeting international standards.

Uzbekistan’s cotton industry has faced significant international criticism for its historical systemic use of forced labor. However, in recent years, the Uzbek government has implemented reforms and established stringent monitoring systems to address these concerns, often with the support of international partners.

These efforts have led organizations like the Cotton Campaign to end their call for a global boycott of Uzbek cotton. Furthermore, the industry is undergoing modernization through privatization and investments in technology, with the goals of increasing efficiency and sustainability.