US Upland, Pima cotton export down, but shipment on rise: USDA
US cotton export activity slowed further in the week ended February 26, 2026, after the strong sales recorded in the previous period, though shipment performance surged to a marketing-year high, indicating continued execution of earlier contracts.
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 150,400 running bales (RB), down 41 per cent from the previous week and 50 per cent below the prior four-week average. The slowdown reflected a normal cooling in fresh bookings following earlier strong demand.
US cotton export sales moderated after the previous week’s surge, reflecting a typical pause in fresh bookings.
However, shipments climbed to a marketing-year high, indicating steady execution of earlier contracts.
Strong demand from Asian mills, particularly Vietnam and Pakistan, continues to support trade momentum even as new sales fluctuate.
Vietnam emerged as the largest buyer during the week with 50,800 RB, followed by Pakistan (27,900 RB), Mexico (14,400 RB), India (13,900 RB) and Indonesia (12,400 RB). The diversified buying pattern again highlighted steady demand from Asian spinning mills alongside participation from the Western Hemisphere.
Forward sales for the 2026-27 marketing year reached 54,600 RB, signalling ongoing early booking interest. Indonesia led the next season purchases with 26,400 RB, followed by Mexico (20,800 RB), Vietnam (6,600 RB) and Thailand (900 RB), suggesting that mills are continuing to secure supplies for future delivery despite current market volatility.
Export shipments accelerated sharply during the week. Upland exports rose to 282,200 RB, up 46 per cent from the previous week and 43 per cent above the four-week average, marking the highest shipment level of the marketing year so far. Vietnam remained the largest destination with 94,600 RB, followed by Pakistan (39,800 RB), Turkiye (31,500 RB), China (30,300 RB) and Indonesia (20,300 RB). The strong shipment pace indicates active fulfilment of previously booked contracts.
Outstanding Upland sales stood at 4.25 million RB, while accumulated exports reached 4.66 million RB, showing a balanced structure between forward commitments and actual shipments.
In the Pima cotton segment, net sales totalled 7,500 RB, down 50 per cent from the previous week but 9 per cent above the four-week average. Export shipments increased to 12,400 RB, with India (4,600 RB), Vietnam (2,400 RB) and China (1,600 RB) among the leading destinations.
Overall, the week reflected a moderation in new bookings following earlier strong activity, while record-high shipments demonstrated continued momentum in global cotton trade as mills execute existing contracts.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
