Cotton Retreats on Thursday

Cotton Market Sees Decline Amidst Commodity Fluctuations

On Thursday, cotton futures experienced a decrease, dropping between 30 and 40 points. Meanwhile, crude oil prices rebounded, climbing $2.41 to reach $58.40 per barrel. The US dollar index also saw an uptick, rising by $0.183 to 98.605.

USDA Export Sales Insights

The latest USDA Export Sales report revealed that 98,031 running bales (RB) of upland cotton for the 2025/26 season were sold during the week ending January 1, marking the lowest level in nine weeks. Vietnam emerged as the top buyer, securing 38,700 RB, while Pakistan purchased 14,400 RB. For the 2026/27 season, sales totaled 22,491 RB. Export shipments reached 154,036 RB, the highest in ten weeks, with Vietnam and Pakistan receiving 47,800 RB and 28,800 RB, respectively.

Export and Price Highlights

According to census figures, cotton exports (excluding linters) reached 781,641 bales, the highest in five years and a 31.99% increase over September's total.

The Seam's online auction on Wednesday reported sales at 60.02 cents per pound for 17,239 bales. On January 7, the Cotlook A Index rose by 35 points to 75.05 cents. ICE certified cotton stocks remained unchanged at 11,510 bales as of January 7. The Adjusted World Price was revised to 50.76 cents per pound last week, up 74 points from the previous week.

Recent Cotton Futures Closing Prices

• March 2026 Cotton settled at 64.46, down 39 points
• May 2026 Cotton ended at 65.93, a decrease of 34 points
• July 2026 Cotton closed at 67.31, falling 30 points