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Uncertain global economy increases pressure on Brazil's cotton prices

06 Apr '23
1 min read
Pic: Shutterstock
Pic: Shutterstock

Insights

  • Uncertain global economy led to reduced liquidity and lower prices for agricultural commodities, particularly cotton in Brazil.
  • CEPEA collaborators reported difficulties selling cotton products, resulting in steeper price drops.
  • The approaching 2022-23 cotton harvest and farmers' need for cash flow increased the cotton supply in the national spot market.
The uncertain global economy has led to reduced liquidity and lower prices for agricultural commodities in March, with cotton being particularly vulnerable to inflation and income issues. In Brazil, Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA) collaborators reported difficulties in selling cotton products, resulting in even steeper price drops for the raw material.

As sales of finished cotton products face challenges, cotton processors purchased only small volumes of the material, aiming to meet urgent demands or replenish inventories. These buyers offered lower prices for cotton, CEPEA said in its latest fortnightly report on the Brazilian cotton market.

In terms of sellers, the approaching 2022-23 cotton harvest and the need for cash flow among some farmers increased the supply of cotton in the national spot market. In these cases, farmers were more willing to lower their asking prices, particularly when the quality was not as high. However, some farmers remained firm and unwilling to negotiate, primarily when the quality was high, and the supply was low.

Between February 28 and March 31, the CEPEA/ESALQ Index for cotton experienced a 10 per cent decrease, closing at BRL 4.6572/pound on March 31.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)

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