The US textile sector has secured strategic support to shield defense supply chains, says National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), welcoming the establishment of the House Berry Amendment Caucus, a bipartisan legislative group dedicated to fortifying the domestic defense supply chain. Co-chaired by Representatives Pat Harrigan (R-NC) and Don Davis (D-NC), the caucus arrives at a pivotal juncture as the industry navigates proposed modifications to the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Defense procurement and industrial stability
The US textile industry remains a critical pillar of national security, contributing approximately $1.8 billion annually in high-tech components, uniforms, and specialized gear to the Department of Defense. Currently, the Berry Amendment mandates, military textile procurements utilize nearly 100 per cent domestic content and labor. However, industry leaders have voiced concerns regarding potential ‘final assembly only’ loopholes that could allow foreign-sourced yarns and fabrics into the military pipeline. The new caucus is expected to serve as a legislative firewall against such measures, ensuring that the 8,000 unique textile items used by the armed forces continue to support the domestic industrial base.
Strategic capital investment and market outlook
Despite broader macroeconomic volatility, the US textile market is projected to reach $204.52 billion in 2026, supported by a steady compound annual growth rate. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing capital expenditures - which totaled nearly $3 billion in recent cycle - toward advanced automation and digital engineering. This shift is designed to mitigate supply chain disruptions similar to those witnessed during the 2020-2022 period. By defending the Berry Amendment, the caucus provides the ‘predictable demand’ necessary for manufacturers to invest in next-generation protective technologies and high-performance fibers, ultimately securing the long-term viability of the nearly 471,000 workers within the domestic supply chain.
NCTO is the primary trade association representing the US textile supply chain, from fiber production to finished apparel. Focusing on the $64 billion domestic market, the organization advocates for trade policies and procurement rules like the Berry Amendment. NCTO’s current strategy emphasizes reshoring manufacturing and expanding high-tech technical textile exports, which recently reached $28 billion annually.
