Cotton Ends Lower on Thursday

Cotton Market Update: Prices Decline, Export Activity Slows

On Thursday, cotton futures experienced a downturn, ending the session with losses ranging from 9 to 25 points. Meanwhile, crude oil prices climbed by $2.28 per barrel, reaching $65.49. The U.S. dollar index slipped by $0.264, settling at 96.010.

Recent export sales figures revealed that 203,666 running bales (RB) of cotton were sold during the week ending January 22, marking the lowest total in three weeks. Pakistan was the top buyer with 52,000 RB, followed by Vietnam at 45,600 RB and China at 38,800 RB. Shipments for the week totaled 257,036 RB, the highest volume since May. Of these, 114,400 RB were shipped to Vietnam and 37,600 RB to Turkey.

Additional Headlines from Barchart

According to census trade statistics, U.S. cotton exports (excluding linters) reached 539,059 bales in November, representing the lowest November total in four years.

The Seam's online auction on Wednesday reported sales at 59.34 cents per pound for 9,834 bales. On January 27, the Cotlook A Index increased by 85 points to 74.15 cents. As of January 28, ICE certified cotton stocks rose by 3 bales, bringing the total to 8,600 bales. The Adjusted World Price was revised to 50.23 cents per pound, a decrease of 76 points from the previous week.

Recent Cotton Futures Settlements

• March 2026 Cotton closed at 63.48, down 25 points
• May 2026 Cotton settled at 65.37, down 9 points
• July 2026 Cotton ended at 67.01, down 9 points