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Global cotton benchmarks ease over past month

12 Feb '26

2 min read

Global cotton benchmarks ease over past month

Pic: Shutterstock

Insights

Global cotton benchmarks were mostly flat to lower over the past month, with ICE futures sliding to life-of-contract lows in February.
The nearby March contract fell sharply, while December losses were limited.
The A Index edged down slightly.
China's CC Index remained stable, Indian prices softened marginally, and Pakistani rates firmed briefly before easing, amid steady currency movements.

Most global cotton benchmarks moved sideways to lower over the past month, with weakness intensifying in February. The nearby March NY/ICE futures contract declined from near 65 cents per lb in late January to life-of-contract lows around 61 cents per lb, as selling pressure accelerated. The December contract followed a similar trend but saw milder losses, easing from 69 to 67 cents per lb, according to Cotton Incorporated.

The Cotlook A Index slipped marginally from 74 to 73 cents per lb, reflecting softer international sentiment.

In China, the CC Index 3128B held steady near 104 cents per lb, equivalent to around 16,000 RMB per tonne. The renminbi remained broadly stable at about 6.95 RMB per USD, as per Cotton Incorporated’s Monthly Economic Letter - Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook - February 2026.

Indian cotton prices edged down from 78 to 76 cents per lb, or from ₹55,200 to ₹54,000 per candy. The rupee traded near ₹91 per USD during the period.

In Pakistan, prices rose from 67 to 70 cents per lb, or from 15,500 to 16,000 PKR per maund (approximately 37.32 kg), before easing more recently. The Pakistani rupee hovered around 280 PKR per USD over the past month.

Overall, global price movements reflected cautious demand conditions, with currency stability limiting sharper swings across major producing regions.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)

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