US Upland, Pima cotton export down on cautious buying: USDA

The decline reinforced trade views that global mills remain cautious, with no meaningful improvement in buying sentiment compared with the prior week.

Shipments increased to 120,800 RB from 113,200 RB in the week ended November 13, indicating steady execution of existing commitments, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, outstanding sales edged up marginally to 3.40 million RB from 3.37 million RB the previous week but remained well below 4.51 million RB a year ago, underlining reduced forward coverage. Accumulated exports rose to 2.19 million RB from 2.07 million RB week on week, reflecting shipment-led progress rather than stronger fresh demand.

Buying remained concentrated, though volumes moderated from the previous week. Vietnam led bookings with 46,700 RB, lower than 61,500 RB in the prior week, while Turkiye booked 34,900 RB compared with 59,800 RB earlier. Pakistan’s purchases increased to 24,800 RB from 17,100 RB, while Bangladesh slipped to 4,300 RB from 15,000 RB. China booked 8,900 RB, up from 5,700 RB the previous week, but overall participation by major consumers remained selective.

Forward sales showed limited improvement, with 3,100 RB booked for the next marketing year compared with 1,800 RB in the week ended November 13, still pointing to weak confidence in longer-term demand visibility. Market participants noted that, despite firmer shipments, the week-on-week fall in net sales highlighted persistent pressure from subdued yarn demand, tight mill margins, and ongoing uncertainty across global textile markets.

Pima cotton exports also softened week on week. Net Pima sales for the current marketing year declined to 6,200 RB from 8,900 RB in the previous week. Outstanding sales eased to 63,100 RB from 63,600 RB, while accumulated exports rose to 104,600 RB from 97,900 RB, reflecting higher shipments rather than renewed buying interest. The data continued to point to cautious procurement by premium spinners amid weak downstream demand.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)