US Upland cotton export further down 49%, Pima up 31% this week

For the week ending April 17, 2025, net sales of U.S. upland cotton for the 2024–25 marketing year totaled 104,000 running bales (RB), each weighing 226.8 kilograms (500 pounds). This figure represents a significant decline of 49% compared to the previous week and 22% below the average of the past four weeks, according to the USDA’s latest weekly export sales report.

The decline comes despite notable sales to key international markets. Vietnam led the purchases with 34,400 RB, which included transfers from several other regions China, Hong Kong, and South Korea. Though there were also reductions of 300 RB factored in. Other major buyers included India, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Bangladesh though Bangladesh’s figure includes a small reduction of 200 RB.

Looking ahead to the 2025–26 season, net sales reached 38,000 RB. The primary markets for this forward buying included Indonesia, Peru, Honduras, Vietnam, and Nicaragua, indicating early interest from global buyers.

In terms of shipments, the United States exported 292,200 RB of upland cotton during the week, a decline of 11% from the previous week and 22% lower than the average of the past four weeks. Major destinations for these exports were Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkiye, Bangladesh, Peru, reflecting steady demand from Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

Meanwhile, Pima cotton, known for its superior fiber quality, showed mixed results. Net sales for the 2024–25 season stood at 5,800 RB. This represents a improvement over the previous week but still reflects a 31% decrease compared to the prior four-week average. The majority of Pima sales were made to Pakistan and India, Peru and Turkiye , and Vietnam (600 RB). However, there were also reductions recorded for Hong Kong (300 RB).

Export shipments of Pima cotton showed a much stronger performance. A total of 14,400 RB were shipped, reflecting a significant increase and a 41% rise compared to the four-week average. India was the top destination with 7,400 RB, followed by Peru (2,800 RB), Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Turkiye.

Overall, the report shows a cooling trend in upland cotton sales and shipments, while Pima cotton showed more resilience in both areas. The decrease in sales could be influenced by fluctuating demand, shifting global trade dynamics, or seasonal adjustments.