NATO’s artillery shell problem: our factories don’t make TNT, and they need China for the cotton

by Inside China Business [10-7-2025].

(RAD: It is obvious that many people in the US government don't understand the implications of tariffs & other sanctions, especially with respect to China. Pissing off China is not a good thing when China is the only source for critical things that can't be sourced elsewhere is a stupid idea. The US needs to learn how to co-exist with China and NOT piss them off!!! — RAD)

Artillery shells involve two volatile components: the explosive, and the propellant. TNT is in critical shortage in NATO militaries, as decades ago the production of TNT was outsourced abroad for environmental and safety reasons.

But another bottleneck exists for the highest-quality cotton fibers, which are used in propellants. Most of that cotton was sourced from China, who is closely allied with Russia.

Military suppliers are scrambling, to locate alternate sources of high-grade cotton, and to refurbish TNT factories that have been long closed.

TNT also is used in civilian applications, for engineering, mining, and heavy construction. High demands from the defense sector are causing prices to soar for industrial users as well, increasing over four times in the past year.