US Upland cotton export sales jump 68%, shipments hit season high

According to the weekly export sales report released by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), net sales of Upland cotton for the 2025–26 marketing year totalled 253,200 running bales (RB), each weighing 226.8 kg (500 pounds), up 68 per cent from the previous week but 8 per cent below the prior four-week average. The increase indicated a recovery in fresh bookings following the slowdown recorded in the previous reporting period.

Vietnam remained the largest buyer during the week with 116,300 RB, followed by Bangladesh (28,200 RB), Pakistan (22,200 RB), India (17,100 RB) and Indonesia (14,600 RB). The buying pattern again highlighted strong demand from Asian spinning mills, which continue to dominate global cotton procurement.

Forward sales for the 2026–27 marketing year reached 36,600 RB, led by Vietnam (15,100 RB) and Turkiye (13,200 RB), with additional purchases from Bangladesh (7,700 RB) and Thailand (600 RB). The bookings suggest that mills are still securing cotton supplies for future delivery amid uncertain market conditions.

Export shipments accelerated further during the week. Upland exports surged to 370,100 RB, up 31 per cent from the previous week and 77 per cent above the four-week average, marking another marketing-year high. Vietnam remained the top destination with 148,500 RB, followed by Pakistan (47,000 RB), Turkiye (35,500 RB), Mexico (29,800 RB) and Indonesia (20,200 RB).

Outstanding Upland sales stood at 4.13 million RB, while accumulated exports reached 5.03 million RB, indicating steady progress in shipment execution relative to forward commitments.

In the Pima cotton segment, net sales totalled 7,100 RB, slightly lower than the previous week and the four-week average. However, exports rose sharply to 17,900 RB, also marking a marketing-year high, with major shipments to India (9,000 RB), Vietnam (3,700 RB) and China (2,300 RB).

Overall, the week reflected a recovery in new Upland sales alongside exceptionally strong shipment performance, signalling continued momentum in global cotton trade as buyers execute previously booked contracts.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)