NATO countries plan to increase cotton production due to a shortage…
NATO countries plan to increase cotton production due to a shortage of nitrocellulose, which is used for manufacturing gunpowder for artillery ammunition, in order to counter Russia and China. The WSJ learned that NATO faces a cotton deficit for the production of artillery shells.
Consensus
- NATO countries are experiencing a shortage of cotton that hinders the production of artillery shells.
- Nitrocellulose (also known as pyroxylin) is essential for manufacturing propellants used in artillery shells.
- Nitrocellulose is produced from linters, short fibrous remnants left on cotton seeds after processing.
- European countries have historically depended on China for cotton lint supplies.
- NATO plans to increase domestic production of nitrocellulose and explore alternative raw materials.
- The shortage is described as one of the most serious obstacles to NATO's military self-sufficiency.
Points of divergence
- The United States primarily sources lint from its own agriculture, while European countries are seeking to expand domestic production due to past reliance on China. — vedomosti
- Europe currently has only one factory producing TNT, located in Poland. — vedomosti
- The U.S. has a single major nitrocellulose production facility in Virginia, while Europe operates several such plants. — vedomosti
- NATO plans to provide Ukraine with military aid worth approximately 70 billion euros in 2026, with continued support expected in 2027. — vedomosti
- The shortage of cotton is described as a systemic issue affecting the entire production chain of munitions. — fontanka
- Political analyst Petr Robešek stated that Europe can only fight Russia with direct U.S. involvement. — vm
- Lithuanian intelligence found no evidence of an imminent Russian attack on the Baltic states, and Vilnius accused European media of exaggerating tensions. — vm
Coverage (4 sources)
- WSJ: Cotton shortage complicates ammunition production ramp-up in NATO — Ведомости
- NATO countries face cotton shortage for ammunition production — Фонтанка
- WSJ reports on shortage of cotton for NATO to produce artillery shells — Коммерсантъ
- NATO countries face cotton shortage for ammunition production — Вечерняя Москва