Cotton futures eased slightly to below 70 cents per pound, as traders took profits following a recent rally and as weakness in the broader grain complex weighed on prices. Additional pressure came from lower crude oil prices—driven by expectations of a swift resolution to the conflict involving Iran—which improved the cost competitiveness of polyester and dampened demand for cotton.
The USDA’s Prospective Plantings report, released on March 31, showed US farmers intend to increase cotton sowings in 2026. Planted area is projected to rise 4% to 9.64 million acres, up from 9.28 million acres a year earlier. Market participants were closely watching US weather patterns—especially rainfall in Texas—and overall planting progress for clearer signals on the upcoming crop’s potential.
Meanwhile, StoneX maintained its 2025/26 Brazilian cotton production forecast at 3.74 million tons but raised its 2026 export projection to 3.1 million tons, underscoring Brazil’s growing role in global cotton trade.
