Cotton futures rose across most contract months on Thursday, with most contracts gaining between 10 and 74 points, while the October contract fell 3 points. Meanwhile, crude oil advanced another $5.88 per barrel, and the U.S. dollar index was up 0.311 points.
Export sales data reported 51,287 RB of cotton sold for the 2025/26 marketing year during the week of July 16, rebounding from the previous marketing year’s low. China was the leading buyer, purchasing 15,500 RB, followed by Vietnam with 12,300 RB. New crop sales totaled 16,146 RB that week, with Vietnam acquiring an additional 7,100 RB. Shipments reached 276,313 RB, climbing back to a four‑week high, and Vietnam was the top destination with 96,300 RB, while Pakistan received 42,700 RB.
The NOAA 7‑day quantitative precipitation forecast shows very limited precipitation across much of Texas and the southeastern United States over the coming week.
The Cotlook A Index rose 160 points on Wednesday to 89.60 cents. ICE certified cotton stocks remained unchanged on July 22 at 94,235 bales. The Adjusted World Price was reduced by 155 points on Thursday to 63.82 cents per pound.
October 2026 cotton closed at 79.84 cents, down 3 points. December 2026 cotton closed at 81.21 cents, up 10 points. March 2027 cotton closed at 82.83 cents, up 38 points.