White Gold: Egyptian Cotton Becomes World's Most Valuable Extra-Long Staple
Egyptian cotton has regained its historic prestige on the global stage, and now ranks as the world's most expensive extra-long staple (ELS) cotton variety. For the first time in the 21st century, it has overtaken long-standing dominant US Pima cotton, under comparable shipping and quality conditions.
According to informed sources in the Egyptian Cotton Exporters Association, the price of Egypt's "white gold" has risen to 172-175 cents per pound, ahead of US Pima cotton, which has remained steady at 167 cents per pound. The benchmark Giza 94 variety has gained ground in key Asian markets, which have traditionally been the bastion of premium ELS cotton.
"This marks a historic price change," one source said. "For years, U.S. Pima cotton commanded a premium due to its consistency and marketing dominance. But now, global buyers are responding to the superior quality of Egyptian crops and a reduction in global supply."
This surge in Egyptian cotton prices comes amid a rise in international demand and a significant improvement in local crop quality. Just a year ago, U.S. Pima cotton enjoyed a price advantage of up to 100 cents per pound over its Egyptian counterpart.
Egyptian cotton for August and September delivery is currently trading at $2.25 per pound, further strengthening its top-tier pricing position.
Data for the week ended July 24 also showed a modest increase in U.S. Pima cotton, with net sales rising by 100 bales and total shipments reaching 8,700 bales (each U.S. bale is equivalent to 480 pounds).
Total cotton sowing in Egypt during the 2024-2025 season reached 311,000 feddans (approximately 130,000 hectares). The crop was planted in March 2024 and harvested in October. Despite the initial guaranteed price set by the government being 12,000 EGP per quintal, the minimum price was later revised to 10,000 EGP, which will also serve as the starting price for the public auction.
From the start of the export season in September 2024 to July 20, 2025, Egypt exported 36,400 metric tons of ginned cotton worth around $120 million, with 17 Asian and European countries receiving exports.
Industry sources anticipate that Egyptian cotton prices will continue to remain under pressure in the coming months, due to rising demand for high-grade ELS fibers and limited global supply.
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