Cotton futures slipped to about 64 cents per pound, their lowest level since February 18, retreating from a six-month high of 66 cents reached on February 25. The recent strength of the US dollar, underpinned by escalating tensions in the Middle East, has made US cotton more expensive for overseas buyers, weighing on export demand and putting downward pressure on prices.
According to the latest USDA weekly export sales report for the period ended February 19, cotton export sales for the current marketing year totaled 253,200 running bales, down sharply from 466,300 running bales in the week ended February 12.
At the same time, the USDA’s February WASDE report raised its forecast for 2025/26 global cotton production by 425,000 bales from January, to 119.86 million bales, while trimming its consumption outlook by 200,000 bales. These changes point to a looser global balance and added to the bearish tone in the market.
Still, a sharp rise in crude oil prices helped cap further declines, offering some support to cotton futures.
