PriceSeek alert: USDA report: US cotton planting coverage at 7%.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) weekly crop progress report showed that as of the week ending April 12, U.S. cotton planting was at 7%, compared to 5% at the same time last year and a five-year average of 7%.

PriceSeek Analysis: Cotton, Bull/Bear Score: -1. The USDA report showed that as of the week ending April 12, U.S. cotton planting was at 7%, higher than 5% at the same time last year, but equal to the five-year average of 7%. This indicates that planting progress is normal and slightly better than last year, potentially foreshadowing increased supply in the future, putting downward pressure on cotton spot prices and negatively impacting market sentiment. Combined with cotton futures market data, the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange’s main contract 2609 (data from April 13, 2026) closed at 15,450 yuan/ton, down 80 yuan, with a trading volume of 751,983 lots and an open interest of 622,043 lots, a decrease of 39,999 lots. This shows that the market has already priced in the bearish signal of increased supply expectations, and futures prices may face further downward pressure. Overall, the planting rate data reinforces expectations of ample supply, but considering it is in line with historical averages, the bearish impact is moderate.