A sustained tight supply in the world ELS market led to the highest prices paid to U.S. Pima cotton producers in seven years. Disappointing yields among the world's leading ELS suppliers, combined with a low beginning inventory, contributed to the short supply. Favorable prices are expected to lead to increased Pima plantings in the U.S., and uncertainty among other countries' ability to increase ELS acreage should keep the U.S. atop global exporters.