Fashion
US cotton planting advances to 41%, concerns persist in Texas
According to the latest report, among major cotton-producing states, Arizona and California were far ahead, with planting at 90 per cent each. Arkansas reached 66 per cent, Louisiana 62 per cent, Mississippi 58 per cent, and Tennessee 73 per cent. Alabama also moved ahead to 54 per cent. In the Southeast, Georgia stood at 38 per cent, North Carolina at 39 per cent, and South Carolina at 40 per cent.
US cotton planting remained broadly on schedule in mid-May, reaching 41 per cent completion by May 17, 2026, ahead of last year and slightly above the five-year average.
Favourable weather and field conditions supported progress across major producing regions, easing immediate crop concerns, although dryness in parts of West Texas and the Southwest continued to pose localised risks.
Texas, the largest US cotton-producing state, remained at 34 per cent planted, unchanged from the five-year average but higher than 27 per cent, a week earlier. Oklahoma was slower at 29 per cent, while Kansas reached 45 per cent. The mixed pace across the Southwest kept some regional uncertainty intact, even as the national planting rate remained broadly on track.
Weather across the Delta and Southeast cotton belt remained supportive for planting and early crop emergence. Vaisala Weather analysis indicated favourable soil moisture in these regions, helping crop establishment. However, portions of West Texas and the broader Southwest continued to experience dry soil conditions despite expected rainfall, leaving some localised crop stress risk in focus.
Fieldwork conditions were generally favourable across several cotton states. The USDA report showed Texas had 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ended May 17, while Georgia had 6.2 days, Mississippi 6.2 days, Alabama 5.3 days, North Carolina 4.0 days, and South Carolina 5.1 days.
Soil moisture conditions across the wider US remained mixed. Nationally, topsoil moisture across 48 states was rated 16 per cent very short, 26 per cent short, 50 per cent adequate, and 8 per cent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 17 per cent very short, 27 per cent short, 51 per cent adequate, and 5 per cent surplus. These readings suggest that while moisture availability is adequate in many regions, dryness remains a concern in parts of the cotton belt.
The USDA said its crop progress and condition estimates are based on weekly survey data collected from early April, through the end of November, using inputs from around 3,600 respondents who provide visual observations of crop stages, field activity, and crop conditions.
Overall, the latest data point to a US cotton crop that is developing close to its normal seasonal pace. Favourable weather and steady planting progress have reduced immediate upside risk from crop concerns, though dryness in West Texas and the Southwest remains an important factor for cotton traders to monitor in the coming weeks.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Fashion
UK brand Ted Baker opens new boutique at Selfridges Trafford Centre
More than a retail space, it is a physical expression of the brand’s latest storytelling, bringing its fictional muse to life. Designed as a curated sanctuary, the environment feels less like a traditional shop floor and more like the walk-in wardrobe of the ultimate Ted woman. Each corner reflects a different chapter of the summer social calendar, inviting customers into a world shaped by occasion, mood and movement.
Ted Baker has opened a new boutique-style shop-in-shop at Selfridges Manchester Trafford, strengthening its presence in premium retail destinations through an immersive in-store concept inspired by British summer storytelling.
The space blends occasionwear, heritage-inspired prints and contemporary silhouettes, supported by high-impact visual displays and experiential design.
Inspired by the Bringing the Light campaign and the quiet magic of a British summer, the space evolves from the soft morning glow of garden party preparations to the golden-hour energy of a Manchester evening. Through a considered interplay of light, shadow, texture and print, it captures the pleasure of dressing up, presenting each rail as a personal gallery of her most cherished pieces. Romantic heritage is balanced with a modern, slightly irreverent edge, in keeping with Ted Baker’s distinct point of view.
At launch, the shop-in-shop features a curated edit of ready-to-wear, accessories and lifestyle, with a focus on summer occasion dressing. The collection blends hand-painted florals that appear to bloom across the fabric with hand-sketched park toile prints that root the aesthetic in British heritage. Silhouettes move from dresses designed to catch the light to ’90s-inspired skinny-bow minis and liquid-gold satin tailoring, while signature textures such as gold chainmail knits and versatile reversible styles reflect a wardrobe that is both refined and ready for every invitation.
Hero pieces include the Rasher Printed Ottoman Mini Dress (£179), the Antya Textured Puff Sleeve Mini Dress (£229), and tailored separates such as the Ambita Tailored Blazer (£299) paired with the Platy Front Pleat Wide Leg Trousers (£179), showcasing Ted Baker’s modern approach to occasionwear.
The unveiling is supported by an amplified in-store presence across Selfridges Manchester Trafford, including high-impact billboard displays and digital screens. A subtle nod to the brand’s playful British humour appears throughout the space, including references to the humble pigeon, Ted’s unexpected emblem of the British summer.
Blending elevated, contemporary silhouettes with local nuance and a sun-warmed palette, the space marks a confident new chapter for Ted Baker in Manchester. It is a place where unmistakably British style is not just seen, but fully experienced.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (MS)
Fashion
ICE cotton weakens on US dollar strength, improved rain hopes
The most-traded July 2026 contract settled at 82.33 cents, down 1.37 cents, or 3.6 per cent. The December 2026 contract fell by 0.82 cent to settle at 83.16 cents per pound. Intraday trade remained volatile, with the market failing to extend the previous rally and facing steady selling pressure through most of the session.
ICE cotton weakened as a stronger US dollar, soft export enquiry, favourable US planting weather and rising certified stocks pressured sentiment.
July 2026 settled at 82.33 cents, down 3.6 per cent.
Planting reached 41 per cent, slightly above last year, while cautious mill buying, weak China textile demand and lower commodity markets kept the short-term tone bearish.
Total trading volume was 60,785 contracts, significantly below previous session’s 70,219 cleared contracts, reflecting reduced trader participation and cautious positioning ahead of the long weekend.
Cotton futures continued technical consolidation after the sharp upside rally seen last week, with traders booking profits at higher levels. US cotton cash market activity remained very slow as mills reduced fresh purchases due to high prices and uncertain downstream demand.
Merchants reported limited export inquiry while buyers remained cautious waiting for clearer market direction.
A stronger US Dollar Index climbed to new highs against the euro, making US cotton more expensive for foreign buyers and creating additional pressure on commodity markets.
Broader commodity markets also remained weak as investors focused on US tariff concerns, inflation uncertainty, and global economic slowdown fears. Crude oil and several agricultural commodities traded lower, negatively affecting overall speculative sentiment in cotton.
Weather across major US cotton growing regions remained mostly favourable for planting and early crop development. Forecasts showed chances of rainfall in Southwest Texas and nearby dry regions, reducing immediate weather risk premium in the market.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Crop Progress Report released Monday, US cotton planting reached 41 per cent as of May 17, 2026. Previous week planting pace was 29 per cent, last year same time planting was 38 per cent and last year five-year average planting pace stands at 40 per cent. Fast planting progress added mild bearish pressure as crop development remains broadly on schedule.
Vaisala Weather analysis indicated favourable soil moisture across the Delta and Southeast cotton belt supporting crop emergence. However, portions of West Texas and Southwest US regions continue to experience dry soil conditions despite expected rainfall.
ICE certified cotton stocks increased sharply to 203,491 bales on May 18, compared to 193,438 bales previous day, indicating improved deliverable supply availability. Increased certified stocks were viewed as mildly negative for nearby cotton futures.
China market sentiment remained cautious amid weak textile demand and slow yarn movement, limiting aggressive buying support for global cotton prices. Egypt announced a nationwide initiative to support textile manufacturing, spinning mills, weaving units, and cotton-related small industries to strengthen exports and improve cotton sector utilisation.
Market participants remained highly cautious ahead of the upcoming 3-day US holiday weekend which is expected to reduce liquidity and trading activity further.
Technical traders noted that July futures continue to hold above key psychological support near 80 cents per pound, though upside momentum has slowed considerably.
Overall market tone remained cautious to slightly bearish in the short term, with next directional movement likely dependent on export sales, US weather developments, outside financial markets, dollar movement, and mill buying activity.
This morning (Indian Standard Time), ICE cotton for July 2026 was traded at 81.84 cents per pound (down 0.49 cent), cash cotton at 79.33 cents (down 1.37 cent), the October 2026 contract at 82.09 cents (down 0.80 cent), the December 2026 at 82.84 cents (down 0.32 cent), the March 2027 contract at 83.58 cents (down 0.32 cent) and the May 2027 contract at 83.96 cents (down 0.37 cent). A few contracts remained at their previous closing levels, with no trading recorded so far today.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Fashion
Vietnam to set up government trade negotiation delegation
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc recently cleared the decision.
Vietnam will set up a government delegation for international economic and trade negotiations.
The minister of industry and trade will head the delegation.
The delegation will assist the PM in directing ministries, sectors and localities in negotiations, signing, coordination of ratification and approval, as well as implementation of international treaties and agreements on economic and trade matters.
The delegation will assist the prime minister in directing ministries, sectors and localities in negotiations, signing, coordination of ratification and approval, as well as implementation of international treaties and agreements on economic and trade matters.
It will advise the prime minister on developing negotiation guidelines, strategies, plans and frameworks for the country’s participation in international economic and trade treaties and agreements.
It will also propose objectives, viewpoints and road maps for negotiation with partners or groups of partners in flexible forms aligned with national interests and the country’s socio-economic development orientation, a domestic news agency reported.
It is responsible for coordinating with ministries and agencies in preparing, organising and conducting negotiations, while recommending solutions to difficulties and obstacles arising during the negotiation process.
The delegation will also consult businesses and relevant stakeholders regarding negotiation contents.
In special cases involving urgent and strategic issues related to national interests, the prime minister may set up separate delegations for negotiation.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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