ICE cotton futures experienced a fourth consecutive session of decline, with the July 2025 contract settling at 66.
02 cents per pound, down 0.47 cent from the previous day. This downturn reflects broader market pressures, including a 0.
3% contraction in US GDP during the first quarter, which heightened recession fears and dampened investor sentiment.
Additionally, falling crude oil prices have made polyester—a synthetic alternative to cotton—more cost-competitive, further reducing demand for natural cotton.
The weaker economic data has led to increased market volatility, with broader losses observed across various cotton contracts. The December 2025 contract settled at 67.79 cents per pound, down 0.48 cent on the day. Other contracts posted changes ranging from 58 points lower to 1 point higher. The decline in crude oil prices, following Saudi Arabia’s announcement to increase production, has also contributed to the bearish sentiment in the cotton market.
As of April 29, the ICE deliverable No. 2 cotton futures contract inventory remained unchanged at 14,000 bales, indicating stable supply levels. However, the combination of economic uncertainties and competitive synthetic fiber pricing continues to exert downward pressure on cotton futures.
Traders and industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring upcoming economic indicators and commodity trends to assess potential impacts on the cotton market.
