US cotton exports faced a sharp setback in the week ending July 9, 2026, as Upland cotton demand retreated to its weakest level of the 2025-26 marketing season. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) weekly export sales report confirmed that both new sales and physical shipments declined significantly, reversing the partial recovery recorded in the prior reporting period.
Upland Cotton Sales Hit the Season's Lowest Point
Net sales of Upland cotton for the 2025-26 marketing year fell to 34,400 running bales (RB), with each bale weighing 226.8 kilograms. This weekly total represents a 48% decline from the prior week and stands 64% below the four-week average—the lowest single-week performance of the current marketing season.
Bangladesh led current-crop Upland purchases with 10,600 RB, followed by Vietnam (5,800 RB), Pakistan (5,300 RB), Peru (4,800 RB), and Thailand (2,700 RB). Net reductions from Japan, Bahrain, and Türkiye partially offset these buying volumes.
New-crop demand for the 2026-27 marketing year was equally subdued, totaling only 4,100 RB. Pakistan placed the largest forward purchase at 4,200 RB, with Peru (3,800 RB), Vietnam (1,700 RB), and Indonesia (1,200 RB) also committing. Cancellations from Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, and Japan reduced the overall weekly tally considerably.
On the shipment side, Upland cotton exports totaled 214,900 RB—a 7% week-on-week decrease and 14% below the four-week average. Vietnam was the top destination at 77,100 RB, ahead of Türkiye (36,100 RB), Pakistan (21,500 RB), India (17,000 RB), and Mexico (14,000 RB).
Pima Cotton Records a Stronger Sales Week
Pima cotton posted a contrasting performance during the same reporting period. Net sales for the 2025-26 marketing year reached 3,600 RB, rising 38% from the previous week and standing 11% above the four-week average. India was the largest buyer at 2,500 RB, followed by China (700 RB) and Vietnam (400 RB).
New-crop Pima sales for 2026-27 totaled 2,400 RB, split between India (1,400 RB) and Peru (1,000 RB). Despite stronger buying interest, export shipments of Pima cotton declined to 7,800 RB—27% below the prior week and 45% under the four-week average. India received 3,500 RB, with Vietnam close behind at 3,200 RB, followed by Thailand (500 RB), Djibouti (500 RB), and Japan (100 RB).
Market Implications for Textile Procurement
The latest USDA figures confirm that US cotton export momentum has softened following the prior week's improvement. Upland cotton recording its weakest weekly sales of the marketing year reflects cautious buyer sentiment across several key importing nations. Pima cotton's firmer demand—driven primarily by India—suggests that premium cotton varieties continue to attract buying interest even as broader market conditions remain uncertain.
Textile sourcing professionals should monitor upcoming USDA weekly export reports closely, as sustained weakness in Upland demand could influence global cotton pricing and forward contract strategies. For the latest textile trade developments and commodity updates, visit the Info Center on textilezon.com. Lower shipment volumes across both Upland and Pima cotton signal that near-term US cotton export momentum is likely to remain under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did US Upland cotton export sales fall so sharply in the week ending July 9, 2026?
Net sales of Upland cotton for the 2025-26 marketing year dropped 48% week-on-week and 64% below the four-week average, totaling 34,400 RB. Weaker buying from Japan, Bahrain, and Türkiye—alongside limited new commitments from other markets—pushed the result to the season's lowest weekly level.
Which countries were the top buyers of US Upland cotton during this reporting week?
Bangladesh led current-crop purchases at 10,600 RB, followed by Vietnam (5,800 RB) and Pakistan (5,300 RB). For forward new-crop 2026-27 commitments, Pakistan topped the list at 4,200 RB, with Peru (3,800 RB) and Vietnam (1,700 RB) also placing orders.
How did Pima cotton perform compared to Upland cotton this week?
Pima cotton net sales rose 38% week-on-week to 3,600 RB for the 2025-26 marketing year, outperforming Upland in sales momentum. However, Pima export shipments declined 27% to 7,800 RB, confirming that stronger buying interest had not yet translated into higher physical delivery volumes.
