USDA Tweaks Cotton Import Fees to Keep Things Even
Published Date: 12/31/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting March 1, 2026, importers of cotton and cotton products will see a change in how their supplemental fees are calculated. The USDA is lowering the value assigned to imported cotton to match the fees paid on U.S.-grown cotton, keeping things fair. This update also refreshes the Import Assessment Table to reflect recent changes since 2024.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Importer assessment rate lowered
Starting March 1, 2026, the value used to calculate the supplemental assessment on imported cotton is set to 1.2388 cents per kilogram ($0.012388/kg), down from $0.013247/kg. That is a decrease of $0.000858 per kilogram and, if import volumes remain the same in 2025, the Cotton Board estimates importer assessments could fall by about $3,067,378.
Import Assessment Table updated
The Import Assessment Table (7 CFR 1205.510(b)(3)) is revised to reflect the new supplemental assessment and conversion factors, listing the new total cents-per-kilogram rates for affected Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) numbers (for example, raw cotton HTS lines show 1.2388 cents/kg and multiple product HTS lines show updated rates such as 1.2933, 1.3040, 1.3444, etc.).
Organic imports may be exempt
Imported organic cotton and organic cotton products may be exempt from the assessment if they are eligible under 7 CFR 1205.519. Importers of organic cotton should check eligibility under that provision.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13761 — United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef
The USDA is thinking about updating how beef carcasses get graded to better match today’s fancy Wagyu genetics and new science on beef tenderness. They want to add more detail to the Prime grade and might drop the old bone-age rule for younger cows. Farmers, meat sellers, and beef lovers should weigh in by September 8, 2026, to help shape these tasty changes!
2026-13393 — Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep and update its paperwork for checking and grading processed dairy products. This affects dairy plants that use USDA graders to make sure their products meet quality and safety standards. Comments on these changes are open until August 31, 2026, with no new costs expected for businesses.
2026-12846 — United States Standards for Grades of Orange Juice
The USDA just updated the rules for grading orange juice, especially how sweet Grade B pasteurized orange juice needs to be, matching FDA’s standards. This change affects juice makers and sellers by making grading clearer and more consistent, with no big cost impacts expected. The new standards are official as of June 25, 2026, so the juice world can sip with confidence!
2026-12563 — Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports (2025 Amendments)
The USDA is proposing to lower the value used to calculate extra fees on imported cotton, so importers pay the same as U.S. cotton growers. This update keeps the fees fair and reflects changes since 2024. Importers and businesses dealing with cotton products should weigh in by July 23, 2026, before the new rules take effect.
2026-12341 — Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, California; Increased Assessment Rate
If you grow or pack dates in Riverside County, California, get ready! The fee you pay per hundredweight of dates is proposed to jump from 5 cents to 25 cents starting with the 2025-2026 crop year. This change helps support the date industry and will stay in place until something new comes along. Don’t forget to share your thoughts by July 20, 2026!
2026-11847 — Pecans Grown in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA wants to keep collecting info from pecan growers in 16 states and update how they do it. This affects farmers in places like Texas, Georgia, and California, helping the government keep pecan marketing smooth and fair. If you grow pecans, you’ve got until August 11, 2026, to share your thoughts—no extra costs, just a little paperwork refresh!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-24102 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Deadline Extensions
The EPA is giving steam electric power plants more time to meet new water pollution rules and letting them switch how they comply based on their situation. These deadline extensions and flexible options help plants manage costs and paperwork better. The new rules kick in March 2, 2026, giving everyone a bit more breathing room to clean up their act.
Next: 2025-24123 — Fourth Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications
The DEA and HHS are extending special telemedicine rules that let doctors prescribe controlled medications without an in-person visit through December 31, 2026. This helps patients who need these meds get care safely from home. Doctors and patients can keep using telehealth for these prescriptions without extra costs or delays during this time.