US Upland, Pima cotton export sales soften in week of Nov 27: USDA

According to the USDA’s weekly net sales report, shipments rose to 122,100 RB from 120,800 RB a week earlier and were also higher than the year-ago level of 112,000 RB. This lifted accumulated exports to 2.31 million RB, compared with 2.19 million RB last week and 2.15 million RB a year ago, reflecting steady execution of existing commitments rather than stronger fresh demand. Outstanding sales edged up marginally week on week to 3.42 million RB from 3.40 million RB but remained well below 4.71 million RB in the same week last year, underscoring reduced forward coverage.

Forward sales for the next marketing year showed limited improvement, with 3,100 RB booked compared with 1,800 RB last week, though confidence remained weak as volumes stayed modest relative to historical norms. Market participants said that, despite firmer shipments, the decline in net sales versus both last week and last year highlighted persistent pressure from subdued yarn demand, tight mill margins, and ongoing uncertainty across global textile markets.

Buying patterns shifted week on week. Vietnam led bookings with 79,200 RB, up from 46,700 RB the previous week and well above year-ago levels, while Turkiye booked 14,000 RB, sharply lower than 34,900 RB last week. Pakistan’s purchases eased to 14,500 RB from 24,800 RB, Bangladesh improved to 9,000 RB from 4,300 RB, and India added 7,400 RB. Overall participation remained selective compared with the same week last year, when buying was broader and stronger.

Pima cotton export sales also softened on a weekly basis. Net Pima sales for the current marketing year declined to 6,200 RB from 8,900 RB last week and were below year-ago levels. Outstanding sales eased to 63,100 RB from 63,600 RB week on week and remained lower than coverage in the same period last year, while accumulated exports rose to 104,600 RB from 97,900 RB last week, indicating shipment-led progress rather than renewed buying interest. The data continued to point to cautious procurement by premium spinners amid weak downstream demand.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)