Cotton exports by the US declined by over 1.7 million bales for marketing year (MY) 2021-22 from the previous MY to 14.7 million bales due to less exportable supplies, according to the US department of agriculture (USDA). Despite higher production, beginning stocks in August 2021 were more than 4 million bales lower than a year earlier.

Export volumes remained depressed in the first half of the marketing year. Higher domestic consumption and logistical constraints also constrained shipments.

According to USDA export sales reporting (ESR), total MY 2021-22 shipments were 14 million bales, 700,000 bales lower compared with the USDA forecast.

For the second consecutive year, China was the largest export market and accounted for roughly one-third of US shipments, according to ESR data. Most exports to China were intended for state reserves.

Of the top ten export markets in 2021-22, Turkey, India and Peru witnessed higher exports relative to the previous year.