Midweek Cotton Quotes Show Sideways Momentum with Energy Weakness

Cotton futures are treading water at midday Wednesday, oscillating just 10 points around yesterday’s close as traders digest mixed signals. The softer backdrop comes as crude oil dipped 20 cents to settle near $57.75 per barrel, while the US dollar index climbed 0.120 points to $98.075—factors that typically weigh on commodity demand.

Weekly Shipment Surge Masks Export Slowdown

Export sales data revealed a pullback in cotton sales to 182,680 raw bales for the week ending December 18, retreating from the previous week’s marketing year peak. However, shipment activity told a different story: 146,915 bales moved in that same period, marking an 8-week high and suggesting strong physical market appetite despite softer contract interest.

Spot Market and Index Pressure

The Seam’s online auction recorded 14,459 bales on December 30 at 60.13 cents per pound, providing a real-time gauge of physical demand. Meanwhile, the Cotlook A Index retreated 20 points Tuesday to close at 74.30 cents—another indication that international pricing pressure persists. ICE certified cotton stocks declined modestly by 90 bales on December 30, holding steady at 11,510 bales, suggesting steady draw-down activity.

Adjusted World Price Lags

The Adjusted World Price posted an update Monday morning at 50.02 cents per pound after holiday delays, gaining just 3 points week-over-week—a measured climb that reflects muted upside momentum across the broader complex.

Contract Snapshot for Wednesday

Looking at the forward curve, Mar 26 Cotton sits at 64.24 cents, down 8 points. May 26 Cotton remains unchanged at 65.64 cents, while Jul 26 Cotton inched up 1 point to 66.86 cents. The slight steepening in the deferred months suggests some structural support, though near-term weakness in the front contract dominates the headlines.