Cotton Nears April Lows

2026-06-26 11:09 By Larissa Caser 1 min. read

Cotton futures traded below 77 cents per pound, falling more than 13% from a nearly two-year high of 87.77 cents reached on May 11, amid weaker US export demand.

A softer US dollar improved US cotton’s competitiveness overseas, but export sales remained subdued, according to the latest USDA data.

Adding to the pressure, lower crude oil prices weighed on sentiment, as cheaper feedstock costs for petrochemicals such as naphtha made synthetic fibers more competitive relative to cotton.

Despite the recent pullback, cotton prices remain up nearly 18% year-to-date, supported by expectations of tighter global supplies.

Persistent dry weather in India and the risk of a Super El Niño affecting key growing regions have dampened the production outlook.

Meanwhile, Brazil is positioned to benefit from elevated prices and expectations of drier US weather, remaining on track to achieve a record 3.1 million tonnes in sales by the end of June.



News Stream
Cotton Nears April Lows
Cotton futures traded below 77 cents per pound, falling more than 13% from a nearly two-year high of 87.77 cents reached on May 11, amid weaker US export demand. A softer US dollar improved US cotton’s competitiveness overseas, but export sales remained subdued, according to the latest USDA data. Adding to the pressure, lower crude oil prices weighed on sentiment, as cheaper feedstock costs for petrochemicals such as naphtha made synthetic fibers more competitive relative to cotton. Despite the recent pullback, cotton prices remain up nearly 18% year-to-date, supported by expectations of tighter global supplies. Persistent dry weather in India and the risk of a Super El Niño affecting key growing regions have dampened the production outlook. Meanwhile, Brazil is positioned to benefit from elevated prices and expectations of drier US weather, remaining on track to achieve a record 3.1 million tonnes in sales by the end of June.
2026-06-26
Cotton Futures Edge Lower
Cotton futures traded near 78 cents per pound after briefly falling toward 77 cents, with recent price action largely driven by short covering. A stronger US dollar pressured the market after Federal Reserve officials reinforced a hawkish policy outlook, reducing the competitiveness of US cotton exports. Lower crude oil prices also weighed on sentiment, as cheaper synthetic fibers became more competitive relative to cotton. Meanwhile, crop conditions remained broadly favorable, although investors continue to monitor weather developments across key US growing regions ahead of July, with excessive rainfall affecting some areas and drought concerns persisting in others. At the same time, certified cotton stocks remain ample, pointing to a limited risk of a delivery squeeze and helping to keep supply concerns contained.
2026-06-23
Cotton Futures at Over 2-Week High
Cotton futures traded above 79 cents per pound, holding close to the highest since early June, as weather concerns in key US growing regions weighed on the supply outlook. While beneficial rainfall was reported along the Texas coast, dry conditions are likely to persist in West Texas. In the meantime, India is expected to receive below-average rainfall over the next two weeks, especially in central and northern regions that could delay planting of summer-sown crops, including cotton. Meanwhile, the June US agricultural supply and demand report pointed to a tighter global cotton balance in 2026/27, with lower beginning and ending stocks and slightly higher consumption. Easing geopolitical tensions also provided support, as lower crude oil prices may reduce costs for textile producers.
2026-06-16