ICE cotton futures closed lower as a stronger US dollar made US cotton more expensive for overseas buyers. Weakness in the grain market also spilled over into cotton. Traders are awaiting a clearer outlook from the US export sales report due later today.

ICE’s most active December 2025 contract settled at 66.17 cents per pound (0.453 kg), down 0.47 cent—its fourth-lowest close of 2025. Other contracts ended 25–49 points lower.

ICE cotton futures fell, with December 2025 settling at 66.17 cents per pound, its fourth-lowest close this year, as a stronger US dollar made cotton costlier for overseas buyers and grain market weakness spilled over.
Oil prices jumped nearly 3 per cent, raising polyester costs and supporting cotton demand.
Traders await USDA’s Weekly Export Report for clarity on export activity.

The dollar gained against the yen, Swiss franc, and euro after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell adopted a cautious stance on further easing. A stronger dollar index makes dollar-denominated cotton futures more expensive for holders of other currencies.

International oil prices climbed nearly 3 per cent on Wednesday, hitting a seven-week high. US crude inventories unexpectedly fell last week, while exports from Iraq, Venezuela, and Russia faced disruptions, raising supply concerns. Higher oil prices have lifted polyester costs, making cotton comparatively more attractive.

Trading volume stood at 25,380 contracts, down from 37,880 the previous day. ICE data showed that as of September 23, deliverable No. 2 cotton futures contract inventory remained unchanged at 15,474 bags.

The market continues to challenge US growers, with cash sales proving difficult for both buyers and sellers. However, buying interest has not disappeared, and inquiries have occasionally picked up. The USDA Weekly Export Report is expected to shed light on export demand.

Market analysts noted that CBOT grain futures are trending lower, with limited buying interest from both fundamental and speculative players. Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) soybean futures also retreated amid concerns over weak US export demand.

Currently, ICE cotton for December 2025 is trading at 66.17 cents per pound (unchanged), cash cotton at 64.17 cents (down 0.47 cent), the October 2025 contract at 64.04 cents (down 0.49 cent), the March 2026 contract at 68.13 cents (up 0.02 cent), the May 2026 contract at 69.49 cents (up 0.01 cent) and the July 2026 contract at 70.49 cents (down 0.04 cent). A few contracts remained at their previous closing levels, with no trading recorded today.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)

An Indian delegation is in London to showcase the country’s strength across the textile value chain and to deepen India-UK trade engagement, according to a statement by the Ministry of Textiles.

Led by Neelam Shami Rao, secretary, Ministry of Textiles, the delegation includes representatives of all major export promotion councils (EPCs) and leading exporters, the statement said.

An Indian delegation is in London to showcase the country’s strength across the textile value chain and to deepen India-UK trade engagement.
The delegation includes representatives of all major export promotion councils and leading exporters.
Programmes on the first day of the visit included a textile roadshow and meetings with buyers and sourcing houses in the handicraft, handloom and carpet sectors.

The fourth-largest textile exporter to the United Kingdom, India is targeting markets of 40 countries for pushing its textile exports following the imposition of 50-per cent tariffs by the United States.

India inked a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the United Kingdom on July 24 this year.

Several programmes were organised on the first day of the visit. Those included a textile roadshow and sectoral meetings with buyers and sourcing houses in the handicraft, handloom and carpet sectors.

The roadshow was jointly organised by the high commission of India in London and the ministry with EPCs, and highlighted the vast opportunities under CETA, the ministry said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

Jean-Pierre Blanc will not attend the Hyères Festival, set to take place from October 16 to 18, which he founded 40 years ago. In a press release, Villa Noailles, a contemporary art centre of national interest, announced his departure.

Since his management was criticised by the Ministry of Culture in April, the emblematic founder of the renowned fashion competition for young designers had stepped back from his role as general manager, retaining only the post of artistic director for the event. He is now turning the page and leaving the institution.

“For nearly four decades, Jean-Pierre Blanc has shaped Villa Noailles into a unique place where contemporary creativity, architectural heritage and artistic audacity are in constant dialogue. Under his impetus, the Villa has established itself as a major landmark on the French cultural scene, energising the Var region and radiating well beyond our borders,” recalled the Villa Noailles board of directors, in a final tribute.

Last summer, Hugo Lucchino was appointed general manager, succeeding Blanc at the head of the Villa Noailles art centre, which oversees other events throughout the year in addition to the Hyères Festival.

The Hyères Festival, which was due to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, is preparing for a subdued, transitional edition. Although all the event’s sponsors, including Chanel, have confirmed their support, the mood will not be festive, with the competition set to run in a scaled-back format over three days rather than four.