USDA cotton export sales highlights for latest reporting week: Net Upland sales of 233,100 RB slipped 44 percent from the previous week's marketing-year high and 32 percent under the prior 4-week average. The major buyers were China (68,300 RB), Pakistan (40,000 RB), Turkey (31,100 RB), Mexico (25,500 RB), and Thailand (17,500 RB). Sales of 6,500 RB for delivery in 2005/06 were mainly for Indonesia (3,700 RB). Exports of 283,700 RB were 17 percent above the previous week and the prior 4-week average.

The primary destinations were Turkey (72,100 RB), China (37,000 RB), Mexico (31,200 RB), Indonesia (26,000 RB), Thailand (19,500 RB), and South Korea (18,300 RB).

Net American Pima sales of 24,100 RB were primarily to Pakistan (7,200 RB), Japan (5,800 RB), Indonesia (4,600 RB), and India (3,900 RB).

Exports of 24,900 RB were mainly to Japan (4,300 RB), Indonesia (3,400 RB), India (3,200 RB), Switzerland (3,100 RB), China (2,300 RB), and Pakistan (2,100 RB).

The US Agriculture Department set the prevailing world market price for upland cotton at 37.15 cents per pound, effective through February 24.

The price is adjusted to US quality and location for Strict Low Middling, 1-1/16 inch upland cotton.

Copyright Reuters, 2005