Mixed trend in US cotton exports; average sales decline: USDA

US cotton export sale showed a recovery in US cotton export bookings for the week ended July 16, after the sharp slowdown recorded in the previous week. According to the USDA Weekly Export Sales Report, sales of Upland cotton of current season improved from the previous week, while shipments also gained momentum, although demand remained below recent averages.Net sales of Upland cotton for the 2025-26 marketing year totalled 51,300 RB (running bales, each weighing 226.8 kg), up 49 per cent from the previous week, but down 12 per cent from the prior four-week average. China was the largest buyer with purchases of 15,500 RB, including 1,000 RB switched from Hong Kong. Vietnam followed with 12,300 RB, including 1,600 RB switched from South Korea and reductions of 1,900 RB. India purchased 7,100 RB, while Bangladesh and Mexico booked 4,400 RB and 3,700 RB, respectively. These gains were partly offset by reductions from South Korea, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and Türkiye.

US cotton export bookings recovered in the week ended July 16, with Upland cotton sales rising 49 per cent from the previous week, led by China, Vietnam, and India.
Export shipments also increased 29 per cent, though sales remained below the four-week average.
Pima cotton demand remained stable, with India the largest buyer and key importer.

New-crop Upland cotton sales for the 2026-27 marketing year increased to 16,100 RB, compared with 4,100 RB in the previous week. Vietnam led purchases with 7,100 RB, followed by India with 4,700 RB, Pakistan with 2,200 RB, Peru with 1,500 RB and Mexico with 1,200 RB. These gains were partly offset by reductions from South Korea, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.

Upland cotton export shipments increased to 276,300 RB, rising 29 per cent from the previous week and 15 per cent above the prior four-week average. Vietnam was the largest destination with shipments of 96,300 RB, followed by Pakistan with 42,700 RB, Türkiye with 31,800 RB, India with 20,400 RB and Bangladesh with 16,400 RB. The increase marked a recovery from the previous week when Upland shipments declined to 214,900 RB.

Pima cotton demand remained relatively stable during the week. Net sales for the 2025-26 marketing year totalled 3,200 RB, down 11 per cent from the previous week, but 15 per cent above the prior four-week average. India was the largest buyer with 2,400 RB, followed by Pakistan and Türkiye with 400 RB each and Thailand with 200 RB. New-crop Pima sales for the 2026-27 marketing year stood at 1,500 RB, with Peru accounting for 1,100 RB and India for 400 RB.

Pima cotton export shipment rose slightly to 8,000 RB, up 3 per cent from the previous week, but down 37 per cent from the prior four-week average. Vietnam was the leading destination with shipments of 2,200 RB, followed by India with 2,100 RB, Costa Rica, and Egypt with 900 RB each, and Pakistan with 800 RB.

The latest USDA data indicate that US cotton export demand regained some momentum, after the previous week’s slowdown. Upland cotton bookings improved, supported by stronger buying from major Asian markets including China, Vietnam, and India, while export shipments recovered across key destinations. However, sales remained below the recent four-week average, suggesting that demand conditions continue to be measured. Pima cotton demand stayed comparatively steady, with India remaining an important market for both sales and shipments.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)