Manufacturing output prices in the Netherlands declined further in January 2026, reflecting continued energy-linked cost softness despite a month-on-month (MoM) recovery, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Producer prices for domestically manufactured goods were 1.9 per cent lower year on year (YoY) in January, widening from a 1.4 per cent annual decline recorded in December 2025.

The downward movement remained closely tied to crude oil dynamics, which continue to shape industrial cost structures across energy-intensive sectors. Average North Sea Brent crude prices stood at nearly €55 per barrel in January 2026, representing a drop of more than 27 per cent from a year earlier. In comparison, December prices averaged €52.5 per barrel, marking an annual decline of almost 25 per cent, CBS said in a press release.

Dutch manufacturing output prices fell 1.9 per cent YoY in January 2026, extending December’s decline as lower crude oil costs weighed on industrial pricing.
Brent prices dropped over 27 per cent annually, pulling petroleum derivative prices down 15.8 per cent.
However, producer prices rose 0.9 per cent MoM, supported by export and domestic market gains.

Petroleum-derived products registered a sharper contraction in line with weaker crude benchmarks. Prices for petroleum derivatives fell 15.8 per cent YoY in January, following a 12 per cent decrease in December, underscoring persistent softness in refined energy product pricing.

Despite the annual decline, producer prices showed sequential improvement at the start of the year. Overall manufacturing output prices increased 0.9 per cent in January from the previous month, indicating short-term pricing stabilisation across industrial segments.

The monthly uptick was led by export markets, where prices rose 1.2 per cent, while domestic market prices increased 0.6 per cent. The divergence between YoY declines and MoM gains highlights the continued influence of last year’s elevated energy base alongside emerging signs of near-term price recovery.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)

US cotton planted area is projected to decline for a second consecutive year in 2026, with acreage expected to fall to 9 million acres, down 3 per cent year on year and marking the lowest level in more than a decade, according to CoBank analysis. The outlook reflects subdued price competitiveness relative to alternative crops and shifting producer economics ahead of spring planting decisions.

Regional adjustments are anticipated to drive the contraction. Cotton acreage across the southern United States is expected to transition towards soybeans amid improved profitability prospects, while irrigated cotton areas in the Plains are likely to shift towards corn production as producers rebalance crop rotations and manage input cost pressures, CoBank said in an article by Tanner Ehmke and Emmie Noyes.

Slower US cotton export momentum to China, intensifying competition from Brazil and Australia in global markets, and continued substitution by manmade fibres have collectively restrained price recovery, limiting growers’ willingness to expand cotton area.

US cotton planted area is forecast to decline for a second straight year to about 9 million acres in 2026, down 3 per cent year on year, reflecting weak price competitiveness.
Acreage shifts towards soybeans and corn, slower exports to China, rising competition and fibre substitution are weighing on plantings.
Meanwhile, farm support payments are expected to stabilise the overall acreage decline.

Despite the projected decline, policy mechanisms are expected to provide a degree of support. Base acreage payments under farm support programmes are likely to cushion the adjustment, helping stabilise cotton plantings and preventing a sharper contraction in the 2026 season.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)