US cotton export sales continued to weaken in the week ending January 1, 2026, while shipment volumes showed notable improvement, according to the latest weekly export sales report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Net Upland cotton sales for the 2025–26 marketing year reached 98,000 running bales (RB), each weighing 226.8 kg. This marked a 27 percent drop from the previous week and stood 49 percent below the four-week average, indicating softer near-term demand. Vietnam emerged as the top buyer with purchases of 38,700 RB, including switched sales from China. Other major buyers included Pakistan, Mexico, Türkiye, and China.
Forward sales for the 2026–27 season totalled 22,500 RB. Vietnam and Türkiye accounted for most of these volumes, reflecting early coverage despite cautious buying sentiment for nearby shipments.
Outstanding Upland cotton sales declined to 3.61 million RB, significantly lower than the 4.89 million RB recorded during the same period last year. This points to thinner forward order books compared to the previous season.
In contrast, shipment activity strengthened. Upland cotton exports rose to 154,000 RB, up 10 percent from the prior week and 18 percent above the four-week average. Cumulative Upland exports increased to 2.99 million RB, staying ahead of last year’s pace. Vietnam led shipments, followed by Pakistan, China, Türkiye, and Indonesia.
Pima cotton sales showed modest improvement. Net sales for the 2025–26 season reached 4,300 RB, higher than the previous week but below the recent average. Outstanding Pima sales fell to 57,700 RB, well below last year’s level. Pima cotton shipments dropped sharply to 4,500 RB, with China as the main destination.
Overall, USDA data highlights continued softness in US cotton export sales at the start of January. However, stronger shipment performance continues to support cumulative exports, even as forward demand remains weaker than last season.
