Cotton futures have been trading in a narrow range between 64 and 65 cents per pound since late December, with movements influenced by supply and demand dynamics. Recently, Cotton Association of India (CAI) revised upwards the crop estimate for 2025-26 by around 2.5% or 7.5 lakh bales of 170 kg each to 317 lakh bales on higher than estimated production in Maharashtra and Telangana. Meanwhile, the Brazilian Cotton Producers Association (Abrapa).said on January 21 that Brazil’s cotton output is expected to fall by nearly 10% in the 2025/26 season, as planted area and yields decline. The USDA’s January report highlighted tighter supply conditions alongside firmer demand for the 2025/26 season. World production was reduced by some 300,000 bales to 119 million, and world consumption was increased by a similar amount, also totaling 119 million bales. U.S. production was reduced more than expected, falling from 14.3 to 13.9 million bales, based on a smaller crop in the Mid-South.
