ICE March 2026 cotton futures settled at 64.06 cents per pound, down 0.07 cent, after touching a low of 63.80 cents. May 2026 settled at 65.25 cents, down 10 points, and July 2026 at 66.35 cents, down 14 points. December 2025 settled at 62.36 cents, down 13 points, after hitting a low of 62.13 cents per pound.
Price action remained near the bottom of recent ranges, reflecting persistent weakness and limited recovery interest. The dollar strengthened against the euro and yen as traders awaited key US economic data, making US cotton less competitive globally.
Trading volume fell sharply to 66,768 contracts compared with Friday’s 97,819, and last week’s average of 106,421, reflecting heavy December liquidation and fund rolls. ICE certified stock data showed deliverable No. 2 cotton inventory rising to 19,244 bales on November 13 from 18,239 bales, indicating improved warehouse availability.
Analysts noted that the approach of the November 21 delivery-notice period typically pressures cotton as commercial participation shifts. The stronger dollar contributed to fresh contract lows, with March 2026—the most active contract—continuing to trade around 64 cents and expected to stabilise above the 60-cent zone later.
The USDA’s WASDE report raised US production estimates by 900,000 bales to 14.1 million and increased export projections to 12.2 million bales. Global demand remains steady, with slightly tighter ending stocks due to adjustments in key consuming countries.
CBOT soybeans reached their highest level since June 2024 on improved demand prospects, offering marginal cross-commodity support.
Overall sentiment stayed weak, with traders describing the session as dull and narrow-ranged, with cotton drifting along the bottom.
This morning (Indian Standard Time), ICE cotton for December 2025 traded at 62.10 cents per pound (down 0.26 cent), cash cotton at 62.06 cents (down 0.07 cent), March 2026 at 63.88 cents (down 0.18 cent), May 2026 at 65.08 cents (down 0.17 cent), July 2026 at 66.15 cents (down 0.20 cent), and October 2026 at 67.33 cents (down 0.02 cent). A few contracts remained unchanged, with no trades recorded so far today.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)
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