Net sales of Upland cotton for the 2025–26 marketing year stood at 119,900 running bales (RB), each weighing 226.8 kg (500 pounds), down 26 per cent from the previous week and 55 per cent below the prior four-week average. Demand was led by Vietnam (62,100 RB), Türkiye (22,400 RB), Pakistan (15,900 RB), India (10,900 RB), and Malaysia (7,100 RB), while cancellations from China (8,700 RB) limited overall gains. Sales for the 2026–27 season were reported at 57,100 RB, primarily driven by Vietnam, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
Export shipments of Upland cotton totalled 296,400 RB during the week, declining 3 per cent from the previous week and 16 per cent from the four-week average. Shipments were mainly directed to Vietnam (89,000 RB), Pakistan (46,600 RB), India (25,100 RB), Bangladesh (22,000 RB), and Indonesia (21,300 RB), reflecting continued strong demand across Asian markets.
US cotton export sales showed a mixed trend for the week ending April 16, 2026, with Upland demand declining sharply due to weaker buying interest and cancellations, while Pima cotton recorded a strong rebound with marketing-year high sales.
Asian markets, led by Vietnam, India, and Pakistan, continued to dominate demand across both segments.
In contrast, Pima cotton registered a marketing-year high in net sales at 36,200 RB for 2025–26, rising sharply from both the previous week and the recent average. India emerged as the largest buyer with 22,900 RB, followed by China (5,700 RB) and Vietnam (5,200 RB), with additional demand from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Sales for the 2026–27 marketing year were reported at 4,400 RB, mainly for Egypt.
However, Pima export shipment declined to 4,500 RB, down 26 per cent week on week and 44 per cent below the four-week average. The main destinations were Pakistan, India, Thailand, Peru, and Vietnam.
Overall, the latest weekly data highlights a divergence in US cotton demand trends, with Upland cotton facing pressure from weaker buying interest and cancellations, while Pima cotton is gaining traction, particularly in key Asian markets.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
