Mp_cn812
October 23, 2020
Weekly Cotton Market Review
Average spot quotations were 264 points higher than the previous week,
according to the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service�s Cotton and Tobacco
Program. Quotations for the base quality of cotton (color 41, leaf 4,
staple 34, mike 35-36 and 43-49, strength 27.0-28.9, and uniformity 81.0-81.9)
in the seven designated markets averaged 65.72 cents per pound for the week
ending Thursday, October 22, 2020. The weekly average was up from 63.08 last
week and from 61.94 cents reported the corresponding period a year ago. Daily
average quotations ranged from a low of 64.53 cents Friday, October 16 to a
season high of 66.76 cents Thursday, October 22. Spot transactions reported in
the Daily Spot Cotton Quotations for the week ended October 22 totaled 30,359
bales. This compares to 36,653 reported last week and 29,626 spot transactions
reported the corresponding week a year ago. Total spot transactions for the
season were 283,443 bales compared to 187,929 bales the corresponding week a year
ago. The ICE Dec settlement price ended the week at 71.94 cents, compared to 69.22 cents last week.
Southeastern Markets Regional Summary
Spot cotton trading was slow. Supplies and producer offerings were moderate.
Demand was good. Average local spot prices were higher. Trading of CCC-loan
equities was slow. The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to negatively affect cotton
demand and disrupt supply chains.
Mostly clear to fair conditions prevailed across most of the lower Southeast during
the period. Daytime high temperatures were in the low-to-mid 80s with overnight
lows in the upper 50s to mid-60s. Mostly dry conditions prevailed throughout most
of the region; however, scattered thunderstorms brought moisture from portions of
the eastern Florida Panhandle through coastal areas of Georgia during the period.
Weekly accumulated precipitation totals measured from one-tenth of an inch to around
one-half of an inch of moisture. Crop maturity advanced at a normal pace and bolls
were cracking open on the top of the crop. Defoliation and harvest activities
expanded at a good pace. Boll rot and seeds sprouting in bolls were prevalent on the
lower portion of the crop in areas that received excessive moisture in recent weeks.
Backlogs of modules were accumulating on gin yards and ginning was expanding.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service�s (NASS) Crop Progress
report released October 19, cotton bolls opening had reached 92 percent completed in
Alabama and 90 percent completed in Georgia; NASS reported cotton harvested at 20
percent in Alabama and 19 percent in Georgia.
A mix of cloudy to sunny conditions prevailed across the upper Southeast during the
period. Daytime high temperatures varied from the mid-60s to low 80s with nighttime
lows in the upper 40s to low 60s. Widespread thunderstorms brought around one-quarter
of an inch to one inch of moisture to areas throughout the eastern Carolinas and
coastal Virginia over the weekend. The crop advanced and boll opening was slowly
nearing completion. Defoliation activities were expanding. Harvesting was just
getting underway in areas where soils were firm enough to support equipment, but in
many fields, conditions remained too saturated. A few gins had begun pressing operations
for the season; others were waiting for backlogs of modules to accumulate on gin yards.
According to the NASS Crop Progress report released October 19, bolls opening had
reached 96 percent completed in Virginia and 92 percent in the Carolinas; cotton
harvested had reached 14 percent in North Carolina and Virginia and 6 percent in South Carolina.
Textile Mill
Buyers for domestic mills inquired for a moderate volume of color 31 and 41, leaf 4,
and staple 36 for January through September 2021 delivery. No sales were reported.
Reports indicated that mills continued to incrementally increase operating schedules
as warranted by finished product demand. Some mills were scheduling raw cotton for
delivery that was previously delayed due to reduced operating schedules associated
with the COVID-19 Pandemic. Additional inquiries from domestic mill buyers were light;
most mills have covered their raw cotton needs through the fourth quarter 2020. Mills
continued to produce personal protective equipment for frontline workers and military supplies.
Demand through export channels was light. Agents for mills in Mexico purchased a moderate
volume of color 42 and 51, leaf 4, and staple 34 and 35 for January through September 2021 delivery.
Trading
�
A heavy volume of 2019-crop cotton, color 31 and 41, leaf 3-5, staple 36-38, mike 43-52,
strength 29-32, and uniformity 80-83 sold for around 71.00 cents per pound, FOB car/truck
(Rule 5, compression charges paid).
�
A light volume of color 51 and 52, leaf 4 and 5, staple 33-35, mike 43-47, strength 26-29,
and uniformity 78-81 sold for around 55.50 cents, FOB car/truck, Georgia terms (Rule 5,
compression charges paid, 30 days free storage).
�
A light volume of CCC-loan equities traded for around 9.25 cents.
South Central Markets Regional Summary
North Delta
Spot cotton trading was inactive. Supplies of available cotton and demand were light.
Average local spot prices were higher. Trading of CCC-loan equities was inactive. A
light volume of forward contracting was reported. The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to
negatively impact the overall global economy.
Daytime temperatures were in the 70s and 80s, while overnight lows were in the 60s.
A series of rain showers brought up to 2 inches of unnecessary moisture to northern parts
of the territory during the week. Fieldwork was at a standstill for several days while
producers waited for soft soils to firm sufficiently to support harvest equipment.
Several gins in the Bootheel region reported start-up delays due to slick, muddy roads,
which made the movement of modules to gin yards difficult. Dry conditions in other areas
allowed field activities to proceed without interruption. Ginning gained momentum after
a late start for many operations. Producers remained satisfied with initial quality results
from the USDA classing offices, but there was some concern that recent rainfall would lower
color grades. A few producers reported yields that were less than anticipated, but still
generally around average. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service�s
Crop Progress report released on October 19, cotton harvested had reached 47 percent
completed in Arkansas, 25 in Missouri, and 32 percent in Tennessee. These figures were
at least two weeks behind the five-year average in all states.
South Delta
Spot cotton trading was inactive. Supplies of available cotton and demand were light.
Average local spot prices were higher. Trading of CCC-loan equities was inactive. A
light volume of forward contracting was reported. The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to
negatively impact economic activity around the world.
Daytime temperatures were in the 70s and 80s and overnight lows in the 60s were somewhat
above seasonal averages. No rainfall was reported. Harvesting activities proceeded
without interruption. A few producers reported yields that were below expectations,
ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 pounds per acre, but were generally satisfied with the quality
as reported by the Rayville Classing Office. According to the National Agricultural
Statistics Service�s (NASS) Crop Progress report released on October 19, harvesting had
reached 73 percent completed in Louisiana and 46 percent in Mississippi. Harvesting was
about two weeks behind the NASS five-year average in Mississippi and 1 week in Louisiana.
NASS also rated the crop in the South Delta as mostly fair-to-good.
Trading
North Delta
�
Producers booked a light volume of CCC-loan equities for 13.00 to 14.00 cents per pound.
South Delta
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Producers booked a light volume of CCC-loan equities for 13.00 to 14.00 cents per pound.
Southwestern Markets Regional Summary
East Texas
Spot cotton trading was moderate. Supplies and producer offerings of 2019-crop were light
and supplies of 2020-crop cotton were moderate. Producer offerings of new-crop cotton were
active as ICE December futures reached 70.00 cents in the period. Demand was good. Average
local spot prices were higher. Trading of CCC-loan equities was active for Oklahoma cotton.
No forward contracting or domestic mill activity was reported. Foreign mill inquiries were
moderate. The COVID-19 Pandemic continued to pressure the U.S. economy and global demand for cotton.
South Texas and Upper Coast producers continued shredding stalks and preparing fields for other
plantings. Ginning continued without interruptions and with plenty of modules on the gin yards.
Some gins completed pressing operations for the season. Clear weather advanced harvesting in Kansas
and Oklahoma. In Kansas, warehouse construction continued with plans to have it ready to store cotton
this year. More gins began operations in the period. Oklahoma producers reported dryland yields
at 2 bales per acre. Warehouse activity was busy receiving new-crop cotton.
West Texas
Spot cotton trading was active. Supplies of 2019-crop cotton and producer offerings were light.
Supplies of 2020-crop cotton were light. Producer new-crop offerings increased as ICE December
futures sparked excitement as prices reached 70.00 cents. Average local spot prices were higher.
Interest was best for lots containing color 21 and better, leaf 2 and better, with staple 37 and
longer. Producers delivered previously contracted cotton to cooperatives and marketing pools.
Demand was good. No domestic mill activity was reported. Trading of CCC-loan equities was moderate.
Foreign mill inquiries were moderate. The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to negatively affect cotton
demand and disrupt supply chains.
Daytime temperatures were in the low 60s to low 90s, with overnight lows in the mid-30s to low 60s.
A cold front moved through on October 21 and brought foggy conditions that intermittently slowed
fieldwork until the moisture dissipated. Above-average temperatures quickly returned and harvesting
advanced. More gins opened and modules began to accumulate on the gin yards. The Lubbock Classing
Office began a second shift. The Lamesa Classing Office continues to operate one shift.
Trading
East Texas
�
A light volume of 2020-crop Texas cotton color 21 and 31, leaf 3 and better, staple 37 and longer,
mike 37-39, strength averaging 29.6, and uniformity averaging 81.0 sold for around 70.00 cents per
pound, FOB warehouse (compressions charges not paid).
�
A light volume mixed lot of mostly color 31, leaf 4 and better, staple 37-39, mike 39-47,
strength averaging 33.0, and uniformity averaging 81.5 sold for 67.00-67.25 cents, same terms as above.
�
A light volume of color 41 and better, leaf 4 and better, staple 36 and 37, mike averaging 46.0,
strength averaging 31.4, and uniformity averaging 82.0 sold for around 65.00 cents, same terms as above.
�
A light volume of 2020-crop Oklahoma cotton containing mostly color 21 and better, leaf 3 and better,
staple 37-39, mike 35-43, strength averaging 31.5, and uniformity averaging 81.5 sold for
72.25-72.50 cents, FOB car/truck (compression charges not paid).
�
Similar lots containing staple 34 and 35 sold for around 65.00 cents, same terms as above.
�
A light volume mixed lot containing mostly color 31 and 32, leaf 3 and 4, staple 36, mike averaging 31.3,
strength averaging 31.3, and uniformity averaging 80.2 sold for around 54.75 cents, same terms as above.
�
A moderate volume of 2019 CCC-loan Oklahoma equities sold for 3.50 to 9.25 cents.
Trading
West Texas
�
A light volume of 2020-crop cotton color 11 and 21, leaf 2 and better, staple 37 and longer,
mike 34-47, strength averaging 30.0, and uniformity averaging 80.5 sold for around 73.50 cents
per pound, FOB car/truck (compression charges not paid).
�
Similar lots containing a moderate volume of staple 35 and longer sold for 72.00 to 72.75 cents,
same terms as above.
�
Similar lots containing a light volume of staple 34 and longer sold for around 71.50 cents, same terms as above.
�
A moderate volume of CCC-loan equities sold for 1.25 to 8.25 cents.
Western Markets Regional Summary
Desert Southwest (DSW)
Spot cotton trading was slow. Supplies of 2020-crop cotton were moderate. Producer
offerings increased as ICE December futures sparked excitement as prices reached 70.00 cents.
Demand was moderate. Average local spot prices were higher. Producer interest in forward
contracting was good. No domestic mill activity was reported. Foreign mill inquiries were
moderate; demand from retailers showed signs of improvement. The COVID-19 Pandemic continues
to pressure the U.S. economy and global cotton demand.
Temperatures and conditions were excellent for harvesting activities to advance. Ginning was
active in Arizona. Modules accumulated in fields and were trucked to gin yards. Initial
harvesting began in New Mexico. Some ginning was reported in Artesia, NM. Harvesting was
active in the El Paso territory. The gins started on gin days.
San Joaquin Valley (SJV)
Spot cotton trading was inactive. Supplies and demand were light. Average local spot
prices were higher. The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to negatively impact the U.S. economy
and global cotton demand. No forward contracting or domestic mill activity was reported.
Foreign mill inquiries were light. Interest was best from China, Pakistan, and Vietnam.
Temperatures were in the 80s. Harvesting was active. Sources reported early yields were good.
Producers shredded stalks in compliance with the California Pink Bollworm program. More gins
began pressing operations in the period. Modules accumulated in fields and gin yards.
American Pima (AP)
Spot cotton trading was inactive. Supplies of 2019-crop cotton were light. Demand was
moderate. Average local spot prices were steady. No forward contracting or domestic
mill activity was reported. Foreign mill inquiries were moderate. Interest was best
for China, India, and Pakistan. The COVID-19 Pandemic slowed the U.S. economy and global cotton demand.
Dry, clear weather continued in the region. Rainfall would be welcomed to clear the air
and settle dusty conditions. Harvest was gaining momentum throughout the Far West. Ginning
began in the period. Early yield output was around 1,600 pounds in the San Joaquin Valley of California.
Trading
Desert Southwest
�
A moderate volume of 2020-crop cotton mostly color 11 and 12, leaf 2 and better, staple 37 and longer,
mike averaging 45.0, strength averaging 29.6, and uniformity averaging 80.5 traded for around 75 points off ICE December futures.
�
A moderate volume of cotton for contract base quality color 31, leaf 3, and staple 36 was contracted
at even to 100 points on ICE December futures. These contracts were subject to government discounts with
premiums paid for qualities better than the contract base quality.
San Joaquin Valley
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No trading activity was reported.
American Pima
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No trading activity was reported.
USDA ANNOUNCES SPECIAL IMPORT QUOTA #1
FOR UPLAND COTTON
October 22, 2020
The Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation announced a special import quota for
upland cotton that permits importation of a quantity of upland cotton equal to one week�s domestic
mill use. The quota will be established on October 29, 2020, allowing importation of 5,551,846 kilograms
(25,499 bales of 480-lbs) of upland cotton.
Quota number 1 will be established as of October 29, 2020 and will apply to upland cotton purchased
not later than January 26, 2021 and entered into the U.S. not later than April 26, 2021. The quota is
equivalent to one week's consumption of cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally-adjusted average rate
for the period May 2020 through July 2020, the most recent three months for which data are available.
Future quotas, in addition to the quantity announced, will be established if price conditions warrant.