ICE cotton futures eased yesterday as the decline in crude oil prices weighed on the natural fibre. Crude prices fell sharply amid easing geopolitical tensions, lowering the cost of producing polyester raw materials. Additionally, profit booking after recent highs in US cotton prices further pressured the market.

The most traded May 2026 contract settled at 67.18 cents per pound, down 0.13 cent. May contract has recorded cumulative loss of 159 points in the last four sessions.

ICE cotton futures declined as softer crude oil prices and profit booking weighed on the market.
The May 2026 contract settled at 67.18 cents/lb, extending recent losses.
Easing geopolitical tensions reduced polyester costs, while weak sentiment and lower trading volumes added pressure, though stable stocks and outlook limited the downside.

Total trading volume reported at 68,955 contracts, significantly lower than previous week’s average of 106,740 contracts.

The decline in crude oil prices, triggered by easing geopolitical tensions, weighed on cotton through its linkage with polyester prices. Comments by Donald Trump on ongoing US–Iran negotiations—despite Iran’s denial—along with reports of a five-day delay in planned US strikes on Iran’s energy facilities, eased fears of supply disruptions and pressured crude prices.

This development led to a sharp plunge in oil prices, which had been supported earlier due to Middle East tensions. Iran’s denial of talks helped limit further fall in crude oil, thereby capping downside in cotton and grains.

Market sentiment turned weak as prices slipped below recent highs, reflecting profit booking and external pressure.

Market analysts said that Trump’s statements supported equity markets and indirectly stabilised cotton sentiment.

According to BMI Research outlook, US cotton prices expected to average 68–70 cents per pound, supported by competitiveness against synthetic fibres and weaker 2026-27 crop outlook.

According to CFTC data, speculators added 37,050 contracts, shifting from net short to net long position of 3,561 contracts.

ICE deliverable stock (No.2 cotton) remained unchanged at 115,640 bales as of March 20, indicating stable supply availability

This morning (Indian Standard Time), ICE cotton for May 2026 was traded at 66.74 cents per pound (down 0.44 cent), cash cotton at 65.18 cents (down 0.13 cents), the July 2026 contract at 68.91 cents (down 0.40 cent), the October 2026 contract at 71.31 cents (down 0.13 cent), the December 2026 at 71.44 cents (down 0.40 cent) and the March 2027 contract at 72.51 cents (down 0.43 cent)). A few contracts remained at their previous closing levels, with no trading recorded so far today.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)

Exports in Egypt’s readymade garments (RMG) sector rose by 11 per cent year on year (YoY) to reach $299 million in January this year, according to the Apparel Export Council of Egypt (AECE).

Attributing the increase to robust global demand and the improving competitiveness of the sector, AECE chairperson Fadel Marzouk said the sector is targeting exports worth $4.4 billion by the end of this year. New investments are expected to further strengthen production and export capabilities, he noted.

Exports in Egypt’s readymade garments sector rose by 11 per cent YoY to reach $299 million in January, according to the Apparel Export Council of Egypt.
Shipments to the US rose by 16 per cent YoY to $118 million, while exports to the EU increased by 26 per cent YoY to $132 million in the month.
The sector is targeting exports worth $4.4 billion by the end of this year and $12 billion by 2031.

Shipments to the United States rose by 16 per cent YoY to $118 million, while exports to the European Union increased by 26 per cent YoY to $132 million in the month.

The council aims to boost exports by 22–25 per cent annually over the next five years, targeting shipments worth $12 billion by 2031, he was quoted as saying by domestic media outlets.

However, he cautioned that ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could pose challenges to production and export targets in the near term.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

Vietnam-Russia trade reached $700 million in the first two months this year—down by 5.1 per cent year on year (YoY). The decline, however, is perceived as short-term, with the overall long-term growth trajectory being stable.

The upcoming official visit to Russia by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is expected to open new opportunities to advance bilateral trade ties to a higher level, according to a domestic news agency.

Vietnam-Russia trade reached $700 million in the first two months this year—down by 5.1 per cent YoY.
The decline, however, is perceived as short-term, with the overall long-term growth trajectory being stable.
The upcoming official visit to Russia by Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh is expected to open new opportunities to advance bilateral trade ties to a higher level.

To boost bilateral trade, the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) plans to refine and expand cooperation mechanisms, fully utilise existing agreements, particularly the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)-Vietnam free trade agreement (FTA), and balance trade structures.

EAEU, established in 2015, comprises Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Flexible joint-venture models that maximise economic complementarity will be given priority along with vigorous trade promotion and business connectivity.

An annual Vietnam-Russia trade and investment forum will serve as a stable dialogue channel for enterprises, trade promotion bodies, commerce chambers and officials.

The ministry will also organise specialised trade and investment missions to Russia, support participation in fairs, exhibitions and seminars, and help Vietnamese firms connect with major distribution networks, especially supermarket chains and large e-commerce platforms.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)