US cotton export sales recorded a sharp rebound in last week-end, reaching a seasonal high as buying interest recovered after a brief slowdown, according to the latest weekly report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shipment volumes also strengthened, pointing to improved short-term demand conditions.
Net sales of Upland cotton for the 2025–26 marketing year jumped to 339,700 running bales (RB)—each weighing 226.8 kg—marking the highest weekly total of the season. The figure was significantly higher than the previous week and stood 89 per cent above the four-week average, signaling renewed purchasing activity following recent market caution.
Vietnam emerged as the largest buyer with net purchases of 127,400 RB, followed by China (57,200 RB) and Pakistan (48,000 RB). Other notable buyers included Indonesia (25,200 RB) and Bangladesh (14,500 RB), highlighting continued demand from major Asian spinning hubs. Forward sales for the 2026–27 season remained limited at 10,100 RB, mainly booked by Costa Rica, El Salvador and Pakistan, indicating restrained early coverage for the next marketing year.
Despite the strong weekly rebound, outstanding Upland sales totaled 3.79 million RB, well below the 4.98 million RB recorded during the same period last year, suggesting thinner forward order books. In contrast, shipment activity stayed firm, with Upland exports rising to 156,100 RB, up 1 per cent week on week and 8 per cent above the recent average.
Vietnam also led shipment volumes at 56,200 RB, followed by Pakistan (24,900 RB), China (18,200 RB), Türkiye (13,500 RB) and Indonesia (10,200 RB), reflecting steady execution of existing contracts even as mills remain selective with new purchases.
The Pima cotton segment posted a notable improvement as well. Net Pima sales for 2025–26 climbed to 15,700 RB, a marketing-year high, driven primarily by demand from India (11,800 RB) and China (2,700 RB). Pima exports increased to 9,800 RB, showing a sharp week-on-week gain and remaining well above the recent average.
Overall, the latest USDA data suggests that US cotton exports continue to be underpinned by solid shipment performance, while the jump in weekly sales points to renewed near-term buying interest. However, lower outstanding sales compared with last year indicate that mills remain cautious about extending forward coverage amid price volatility and uncertain downstream demand.
