Shaping a more resilient future for U.S. Cotton – 2026 ACSA Annual Convention

ECOM recently participated in the 2026 American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) Annual Convention, one of the U.S. cotton industry's key annual gatherings. Under the leadership of Darren Long, ECOM Trading Senior Trader and ACSA Chairman, discussions focused on traceability, market resilience and the future competitiveness of American cotton.  

Held in Charleston, South Carolina, the 2026 ACSA convention brought together merchants, policymakers, traders and industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the U.S. cotton sector. Over three days, the programme addressed topics including global trade, transportation, market volatility, regulatory developments, risk management and the growing importance of cotton traceability across international supply chains.

A key session, 'Connecting the Chain: Tracing U.S. Cotton', explored the increasing role of traceability and collaboration in strengthening transparency and market confidence. The convention also featured discussions with representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the National Cotton Council, reflecting the close connection between policy, sustainability and the long-term competitiveness of the cotton industry. 

ECOM contributed to the programme through Darren Long, Senior Trader at ECOM Trading U.S., who serves as the 102nd Chairman of ACSA. In addition to opening and closing the convention, Darren moderated the 'Bales, Bulls & Bears' market panel, reinforcing ECOM's commitment to supporting industry dialogue and helping shape a more resilient, transparent and sustainable cotton value chain.

"With thoughtful policy engagement and sustained collaboration, we can position our industry for renewed opportunity." – Darren Long, Chairman, American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) and Senior Trader, ECOM Trading