ICE Cotton Futures Bounce Above 80 Cents on Softer Dollar and Strong Export Sales
Cotton futures on ICE made a strong recovery yesterday, closing above the key psychological level of 80 cents per pound after a weaker US dollar and stronger-than-expected export sales data from the USDA. The most-active December 2026 contract settled at 80.67 cents, up 1.14 cents or 1.43 percent.
The market sentiment strengthened due to a combination of factors, including a softer US dollar following the Federal Reserve's decision to leave interest rates unchanged. This made US cotton more competitive for overseas buyers, providing a boost to prices.
Export sales data from the USDA showed the strongest weekly sales in 17 weeks, with total net sales of 395,973 bales. The exceptionally strong export report reinforced the view that global mill demand remains healthy, with buyers booking aggressively despite higher prices.