HS Code:
The 'Purchased and entered pursuant to the Secretary of Agriculture's Special Cotton Import Quota Announcement Number 11' category pertains to specific cotton imports allowed under a special quota system established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This quota facilitates the importation of cotton under specific conditions to balance domestic production and market demand, often triggered by price or supply dynamics in the U.S. cotton market. It typically falls under Harmonized System (HS) codes related to raw cotton or cotton products (e.g., HS 5201 for raw cotton), though the exact HS code may vary based on the specific announcement and product type. This mechanism aims to protect domestic producers while addressing shortfalls in supply.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 40,000 metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)
15,000 metric tons
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
10,000 metric tons
25.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
8,000 metric tons
20.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
5,000 metric tons
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
2,000 metric tons
5.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
0% (under quota limits); 4.4 cents/kg outside quota
Highest Rate
Up to 31.4 cents/kg for over-quota imports depending on product type
Lowest Rate
0% under special quota provisions
Increased demand for sustainable cotton
Countries like Brazil and Australia are gaining market share due to certifications for sustainable and organic cotton production, influencing quota allocations.
2021-2022
Fluctuating U.S. domestic cotton prices
Higher domestic prices trigger special import quotas like Announcement Number 11, increasing import volumes temporarily to stabilize supply.
2022
Geopolitical trade shifts
Trade tensions and policies (e.g., U.S.-China relations) have shifted sourcing to countries like Brazil and India under special quotas.
2020-2022
The USDA issued an update to Special Cotton Import Quota Announcement Number 11, adjusting the allowable import volume for 2023 based on domestic supply shortages and price spikes.
March 2023
Expected to increase imports by 10-15% from key suppliers like Brazil and India, benefiting U.S. textile manufacturers with lower input costs.
A bilateral agreement was renewed to prioritize Brazilian cotton under special quotas, ensuring tariff-free access within specified limits.
January 2023
Strengthens Brazil's position as the leading supplier under this quota, potentially reducing reliance on other exporters.
The U.S. has introduced stricter requirements for sustainability certifications for cotton imports under special quotas to align with environmental goals.
June 2022
Favors exporters like Australia and Brazil with established sustainable practices, potentially limiting market access for non-compliant suppliers.