US cotton exports lost momentum during the week ending July 9, 2026, as demand for Upland cotton weakened considerably following a brief recovery in the previous reporting period. The latest figures from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) showed a sharp decline in new sales and export shipments, while Pima cotton continued to attract stronger buying interest despite lower shipment volumes.
The US cotton export sales report revealed that net sales of Upland cotton for the 2025-26 marketing year dropped to 34,400 running bales (RB), with each bale weighing 226.8 kilograms. The total represented a 48% decline from the previous week and was 64% lower than the average recorded over the previous four weeks, making it the weakest weekly performance of the current marketing season.
Bangladesh emerged as the largest importer during the reporting week, purchasing 10,600 RB, followed by Vietnam (5,800 RB), Pakistan (5,300 RB), Peru (4,800 RB) and Thailand (2,700 RB). However, these gains were partially offset by net reductions in orders from Japan, Bahrain and Türkiye.
Demand for next season’s crop also slowed noticeably. Net sales of Upland cotton for the 2026-27 marketing year totaled only 4,100 RB.
Pakistan led new-crop purchases with 4,200 RB, while Peru secured 3,800 RB. Additional commitments came from Vietnam (1,700 RB) and Indonesia (1,200 RB), although cancellations from Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras and Japan significantly reduced the week’s overall sales total.
The US cotton export sales report also showed lower physical shipments. Upland cotton exports declined to 214,900 RB, representing a 7% decrease from the previous week and 14% below the prior four-week average.
Vietnam remained the leading export destination with shipments of 77,100 RB, followed by Türkiye (36,100 RB), Pakistan (21,500 RB), India (17,000 RB) and Mexico (14,000 RB).
Pima cotton records stronger sales
In contrast to Upland cotton, Pima cotton continued to record healthier demand during the reporting period.
Net sales for the 2025-26 marketing year reached 3,600 RB, increasing 38% from the previous week and standing 11% above the four-week average.
India was the largest buyer, purchasing 2,500 RB, followed by China (700 RB) and Vietnam (400 RB).
For the 2026-27 marketing year, new-crop Pima sales totaled 2,400 RB, consisting of 1,400 RB purchased by India and 1,000 RB by Peru.
Despite stronger sales, export shipments of Pima cotton moved lower. Weekly exports totaled 7,800 RB, down 27% compared with the previous week and 45% below the recent four-week average.
India remained the largest destination for shipped Pima cotton with 3,500 RB, followed by Vietnam (3,200 RB), Thailand (500 RB), Djibouti (500 RB) and Japan (100 RB).
The latest USDA figures suggest that export demand weakened after last week’s improvement, with Upland cotton recording its lowest weekly sales of the current marketing year. Although Bangladesh continued to support buying activity and Pima cotton maintained relatively firm demand led by India, lower shipments for both cotton varieties indicate softer short-term export momentum in the global market.
