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Cotton Watch: Harvest Wraps, China Eases Duties, Prices Dip

Cotton Watch: Harvest Wraps, China Eases Duties, Prices Dip

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https://www.instagram.com/vanessaclarkipaiThis is your Daily Cotton Price Tracker with Vanessa Clark podcast.Hello and welcome to the Daily Cotton Price Tracker. I’m Vanessa Clark, and today we’re diving into the latest news, trends, and prices for the cotton market on this Tuesday, November fourth.Let’s kick things off with the most recent movement on the US cotton futures market. As of this morning, ICE December 2025 cotton was trading at around sixty-five point sixty-two cents per pound, slightly down by point zero six cents from yesterday. Cash cotton edged up a bit, trading at sixty-three point eighteen cents per pound. Looking at other contracts, the March twenty-twenty-six contract slipped to sixty-six point eighty-four cents, and May traded just above sixty-eight cents. So if you’re checking cotton prices for today, expect the front end of the market to be down just a touch, continuing a broader theme of mild softness through early November. Market activity is well-supported, but definitely cautious.Now, why the weakness? Both FinancialContent and Nasdaq report that cotton contracts dropped about forty to fifty points at midday, reflecting a blend of factors. The US dollar remains strong, hovering near a three-month high, which makes US cotton more expensive for overseas buyers. Crude oil prices, meanwhile, are steady and relatively low. That’s important because cheaper oil means polyester, a key substitute for cotton, is more affordable, and that can sometimes pull demand away from natural fiber.Even so, there’s a strong undercurrent of optimism. According to Fibre2Fashion and the International Cotton Advisory Committee, global cotton production is running steady for twenty-twenty-five at about twenty-five point four million tons, with ending stocks actually rising a bit. Consumption is expected to stay robust in China, India, and across Southeast Asia, but Chinese cotton imports are down sharply this season, realigning trade flows and keeping a lid on export optimism for US growers.On the policy front, things are finally looking up. Last week, after a major Trump-Xi summit, China agreed to lift duties on US cotton. While cotton prices reacted quietly, the breakthrough is good news for exporting growers heading into year-end. Harvest is nearing completion across the US, which typically means less hedging pressure and a shift in market dynamics toward end users. Weather has helped, with dry, favorable conditions speeding harvest in key regions, though some recent freezes may impact the quality of later-picked cotton in places like Texas and Oklahoma.It’s worth noting that key government reports, particularly the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates and weekly export sales, remain suspended due to the ongoing government shutdown. This means traders are flying a bit blind on export activity, adding some uncertainty to the week ahead.So what does all this mean for you if you rely on cotton prices—whether as a grower, buyer, or someone simply following the textile sector? Here are some actionable takeaways:First, watch exchange rates closely. Even a modest dip in the dollar could give cotton prices a lift by boosting export competitiveness.Second, monitor oil prices and polyester trends—they can shift textile demand away from cotton in a heartbeat.Third, keep an eye out for harvest and weather updates, as these can quickly change pricing and supply outlooks, especially late in the season.And finally, be aware of shifting global trade policies. With China easing duties and the US potentially relaxing select tariffs, 2026 may shape up as a stronger year for American cotton exports.Before I wrap up, let’s recap the key keyword themes for anyone searching today: current cotton prices, US cotton futures, ICE cotton market, global cotton production, and cotton export news.Thank you for tuning in to the Daily Cotton Price Tracker with Vanessa Clark. As always, I appreciate you joining me to stay up-to-date on the cotton market. If you found today’s episode helpful, be sure to subscribe and share with your friends. I’ll be back tomorrow with everything you need to know about cotton—and maybe a few surprises. Until then, take care and have a great day!For more http://www.quietplease.aiCheck out Vanessa on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vanessaclarkipaiFor some deals, check out https://amzn.to/4hSgB4rThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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