In the week ending September 18, 2025, U.
S. cotton exports witnessed a sharp contrast in performance between Upland and Pima varieties, according to the latest USDA export report. Net sales of Upland cotton dropped significantly by 54%, reaching just 86,100 running bales (RB). This marks a major slowdown in overseas demand compared to the previous week.
Despite the fall in new Upland sales, export shipments rose by 14% to 137,200 RB, indicating that previously booked orders are still being fulfilled. The top destinations for Upland exports were Vietnam (41,700 RB), India (21,000 RB), Bangladesh (20,600 RB), Mexico (8,500 RB), and Turkey (8,500 RB).
On the buyer side, increases were seen from India (27,300 RB), Turkey (22,300 RB)—which included a shift of 3,700 RB from Pakistan—Bangladesh (15,400 RB), Vietnam (13,500 RB), and Italy (4,400 RB). However, these gains were offset slightly by reductions from Pakistan (3,700 RB) and Peru (100 RB).
In contrast, Pima cotton recorded a 66% surge in net sales, totaling 8,500 RB. Leading importers included Colombia (6,400 RB), Pakistan (900 RB), Bangladesh (800 RB), India (400 RB), and Guatemala (100 RB). Pima export shipments reached 5,200 RB, showing a 49% increase from the prior week, though still 22% below the four-week average.
This divergence highlights shifting global demand patterns between standard and premium cotton varieties.
