Egyptian cotton prices ease on world markets as new crop arrives; Giza 94 slips to 142 cents

Egyptian cotton prices on international markets eased between the end of September and 4 October 2026, as the new 2026/27 crop began to be offered to buyers, the Cairo business daily Al-Mal reported on 6 October.

According to the newspaper, the Giza 94 variety fell to about 142 cents, down from 147 cents. Al-Mal noted that the base price of Egyptian cotton is shaped by global supply and demand and by the New York cotton futures market, and that this international price then feeds into the local auctions held for farmers in Egypt.

Auction activity is now approaching in Upper Egypt and in the northern and central governorates as harvesting progresses. The government's stated aim is to expand cotton cultivation while balancing the needs of local spinning mills with export demand, the report said.

Al-Mal also cited data from the Alexandria Cotton Exporters' Association showing that Egyptian cotton exports for the 2025/26 export season (1 September 2025 to 29 August 2026) reached 64,060 tonnes, compared with 39,216 tonnes in the previous season, with a value of more than $205 million.

The newspaper said exporters achieved these volumes despite price volatility and logistics disruption, including higher insurance costs and some shipping lines diverting around Africa, which has raised freight costs. Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk said the Cotton Research Institute will keep providing technical and advisory support to partners in the cotton sector.

What it means for Egyptian exporters

A softer opening price for Giza varieties is useful news for Egyptian spinners and for home-textile and shirting producers who build their offer around Egyptian cotton, as raw-material costs weigh heavily in premium yarn and bed-linen pricing. Buyers in the EU and US sourcing "Egyptian cotton" products should watch the first auction results in the coming weeks, which will show whether the lower international quotes carry through to local prices. The strong rise in lint exports last season also signals solid global demand for Egyptian extra-long-staple fibre.