China is still buying U.S. cotton despite the standoff on soybeans

China has been largely absent from U.S. markets lately, but not when it comes to cotton. It’s a buy that, traders say, isn’t surprising given China’s limitations.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — China has been largely absent from U.S. markets lately, but not when it comes to cotton. This week’s export sales data revealed some export purchases headed for the Asian nation. It is a buy that traders say is not surprising, given China’s limitations.

“So, in the case of cotton, they don’t have a lot of other countries to turn to other than the United States,” explained Brian Hoops. “There aren’t that many countries that grow that cotton. You look at where they can buy soybeans from -- well, they have a monster crop out of South America, both Brazil and Argentina this year. Big corn crops out of Brazil, record large there. They can buy corn and soybeans from other countries.”

Wheat is another area that could be under pressure this fall. Hoops says production has ramped up in places like Russia, Argentina, Australia, and Ukraine. All those nations, he says, are boosting wheat output over last year.

Related Stories
Soybeans accounted for nearly half of the $15 billion in losses on U.S. ag exports to China due to tariffs, according to researchers at North Dakota State University.
Feed grain supplies may tighten in 2026/27, supporting higher corn and sorghum prices despite large crops.
USDA says weather damage in key Robusta-growing regions is tightening supplies and lowering export expectations.
Industry leaders say restored access is a major step forward, though exports remain well below previous levels.
Texas A&M economist John Robinson says speculative buying helped push ICE cotton futures sharply higher.
Smaller exporter crops and lower global stocks could keep wheat markets sensitive to weather, trade, and shifts in demand.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Everything you need to know about the World’s Largest Tournament Fishing Organization when it comes to RFD-TV later this month, when we become the first-ever TV network to broadcast all four Team Series Cup tournaments live.
Everything you need to know about the World’s Largest Tournament Fishing Organization when it comes to RFD-TV later this month, when we become the first-ever TV network to broadcast all four Team Series Cup tournaments live.