TCF POST Report
DHAKA — The United States cotton sector is navigating a complex export environment across Asian markets, as new data reveals a significant downward trend in volume for the regional export hub.
According to the latest industry figures, total U.S. cotton textile exports to Asia dropped to 2,655.3 thousand pounds in May 2026. This represents a 12.1% decline compared to April 2026 and a staggering 69.4% contraction compared to May 2025.
Export Performance by Key Asian Destinations
| Country | May 2026 (1,000 lbs) | MoM Change | YoY Change |
| Bangladesh | 182.5 | -14.5% | -96.9% |
| China | 430.7 | +19.3% | +36.3% |
| India | 76.7 | -80.4% | -22.8% |
| Japan | 464.5 | -3.6% | -23.9% |
| South Korea | 313.4 | -10.9% | -10.7% |
| Vietnam | 379.6 | -2.6% | +89.9% |
Market Volatility and Divergent Trends
The data highlights a bifurcated landscape within the Asian market. While traditional high-volume importers have seen steep declines, select nations are bucking the trend.
Bangladesh, previously a major destination for U.S. fiber, has seen export volumes plummet from over 5,900 thousand pounds in May 2025 to just 182.5 thousand pounds this past May. Similarly, India experienced a dramatic month-over-month contraction, with exports dropping 80.4% between April and May 2026.
Conversely, China remains a bright spot for U.S. exporters, recording a 19.3% increase month-over-month and a 36.3% rise year-over-year. Vietnam also displayed robust resilience, with its year-over-year import volume from the U.S. jumping by 89.9%, indicating a potential recalibration of supply chain preferences in the region.
Market analysts are continuing to monitor whether these shifts are a result of broader geopolitical tensions, rising production costs in the RMG sector, or changing logistics strategies in the global textile trade.
