ICE cotton rises on strong US exports, dry weather concerns

ICE cotton futures rose on Thursday, due to robust US export sales and dry weather forecasts in major growing regions. The July 2025 contract settled at 67.13 cents per pound, up 0.76 cent, after touching a session high of 67.20 cents the strongest since April 10.

The December 2025 contract closed at 68.44 cents, up 0.53 cent. Other contracts also posted gains, with weekly movements ranging from a 43-point rise to an 8-point dip. Total trading volume fell to 33,530 contracts, down from 39,126 the previous day.

The USDA reported export sales of 202,000 bales for the current marketing year, a 76 per cent increase from the prior week and 88 per cent above the four-week average. Sales for the next marketing year reached 65,900 bales. Analysts noted that strong demand and dry weather forecasts are lending support despite the seasonal slowdown in export activity.

Higher crude oil prices up over 3 per cent also boosted cotton by increasing polyester production costs, making cotton a more attractive option. CBOT wheat gained on dry weather, while US stocks were mixed ahead of the Good Friday holiday. Cash cotton rose 1.84 cents to 65.38 cents per pound, with most ICE cotton contracts ending higher on the day.