Xinjiang cotton: Hugo Boss’ comments spark accusations of hypocrisy online

Chinese subsidiary’s social media post appears to contradict German fashion brand’s corporate buying policy

Japanese homeware brand Muji also accused of double standards as Beijing’s dispute with Western countries hots up

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Hugo Boss appears to have sent a mixed message regarding its stance on Xinjiang cotton. Photo: Reuters

Published: 7:00pm, 26 Mar 2021Updated: 7:49pm, 26 Mar 2021

The Chinese subsidiary of Hugo Boss appears to have gone against the German fashion brand’s corporate position on buying from Xinjiang, saying on Thursday it would continue to purchase cotton from the region.

“We have always respected the one-China principle and resolutely defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the unit said in Chinese on Weibo, the country’s Twitter-like platform.

“Xinjiang long cotton is one of the best in the world, we believe quality raw materials would show its value. We will continue to buy and support Xinjiang cotton.”

The post, however, seems to contradict a statement on Hugo Boss’s main website, which says the company does not buy any goods directly from Xinjiang.

A member of the communications team at its Metzingen headquarters was unable to explain the discrepancy.

Hugo Boss is the latest foreign brand to be caught up in the tit-for-tat sanctions dispute between China and Western nations, which has seen calls for Chinese consumers to boycott companies like H&M and Nike.

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