The number of US land cotton contracts rose to 70,000 tons, accounting for more than 40% in China

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), during the week of December 10 to December 16, the United States reported net contracted exports of 71,396 tons of land cotton, marking a significant increase of 65% compared to the previous week and 14% above the four-week average. Additionally, total shipments for the week reached 71,872 tons, reflecting a 4% rise from the prior week. Over the past four weeks, the average price of U.S. cotton has climbed by 26%. In terms of Pima cotton, the net contracted exports this year amounted to 2,585 tons, with 2,858 tons shipped. Meanwhile, 13,812 tons of upland cotton and 4,150 tons of Pima cotton were exported in November and December. China remained a key buyer, signing a net contract to import 32,817 tons of land cotton during the week, which accounted for 46% of the total contracted volume. The country also shipped 27,261 tons of land cotton. This year, China shipped 1,179 tons of Pima cotton and signed a contract for an additional 499 tons for next year. In terms of major buyers, U.S. land cotton contracts were signed with China (32,817 tons, including 113 tons transferred from South Korea and 23 tons canceled), Turkey (11,793 tons), Bangladesh (6,872 tons), Thailand (5,443 tons), Brazil (1,996 tons), and Japan, which had a net negative sign of approximately 204 tons. Upland cotton was shipped to China (27,261 tons), Turkey (11,521 tons), Indonesia (6,282 tons), and Vietnam (4,128 tons). For Pima cotton, contracts this year were signed with India (961 tons), Japan (907 tons), Pakistan (590 tons), while net negative contracts were recorded with Switzerland (91 tons) and China (91 tons). Pima cotton shipments this year included 1,179 tons to China, 499 tons to Pakistan, 386 tons to India, and 249 tons to Bangladesh. Looking ahead, the main contracts for land cotton in the coming year are expected to go to Thailand (4,967 tons) and India (3,447 tons). For Pima cotton, contracts are anticipated for Pakistan (2,245 tons), India (1,134 tons), and China (499 tons). Overall, the data reflects strong demand from key international markets, especially in Asia, signaling continued interest in U.S. cotton exports.