Cotton Crunch: Prices Dip, Growers Grip, Markets Sip Uncertainty

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This is your Daily Cotton Price Tracker with Vanessa Clark podcast.

Hello everyone and welcome back to the Daily Cotton Price Tracker, your go-to spot for all the latest updates on cotton markets. I’m Vanessa Clark, here to guide you through the most recent price news, what’s happening around the globe, and what it all means for growers, traders, and anyone with an interest in cotton.

Let’s get right into it with the latest numbers. As of this evening, cotton futures are holding near new lows for the season. The Intercontinental Exchange, or ICE, shows the December 2025 contract closing at around 63.51 to 63.63 cents per pound. That’s a dip from earlier in the week and continues a downward trend we’ve seen in the cotton market over recent sessions. The cash price for cotton is around 61.01 cents per pound, also down, and later contracts for March and May 2026 are in the 65 to 66 cent range with slight movements up and down as the market searches for stability.

If you’re wondering what is driving cotton prices lower right now, a couple of big factors are at play. Falling global crude oil prices make synthetic fibers like polyester cheaper, and that means less demand for natural cotton as a textile material. Ongoing trade frictions, especially between the United States and China, are also weighing heavily, with recent tariffs and a strengthening US dollar making American cotton less competitive worldwide. Adding to the uncertainty, the ongoing US government shutdown has delayed critical USDA reports, including the important World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. With less public data for traders to use, uncertainty is running high in the market.

On the supply side, Brazil’s cotton production remains significant and is capturing a bigger share of global exports. Even with a slight year-over-year decrease in Brazilian output, ample supply from international competitors is adding to the pressure on US cotton prices.

Market activity has been steady but cautious. For example, recent online auctions in the US showed cash prices averaging just under 61 cents per pound, and certified stocks of deliverable cotton are modestly higher than last week, indicating supply is available even as demand stays soft.

For growers, these prices are challenging. As reported by voices in the agricultural community, production costs for many US cotton farmers are much higher than the current futures prices, meaning selling at today’s rates could mean a loss. This economic squeeze is contributing to a lot of stress for producers, who are watching for any signs of a turnaround or new export opportunities that could boost prices. Many experts say it is more important than ever for the cotton sector to build demand and explore both domestic and international markets.

If you’re navigating this market, my advice is to keep a close eye on policy developments, especially any new meetings between the US and China which could impact tariffs and trade flows. Also, watch for upcoming USDA data releases once the government reopens, as fresh numbers could move the market quickly.

That wraps up today’s episode of the Daily Cotton Price Tracker. If you found this helpful, please be sure to subscribe and join me again for more daily updates. I’m Vanessa Clark, wishing you fair markets and a productive week ahead. Thanks so much for listening and tune in again next time.

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