Cotlook Index: 13-10-2026
91.25 (+0.10)
ICE cotton futures remain range-bound amid weather concerns
Wednesday, 14th Oct 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights: ICE cotton futures settled mixed in a narrow range, with US cotton belt weather, harvest-delay concerns, limited farmer selling and a softer dollar supporting prices.December 2026 cotton closed 9 points lower at 80.51 cents per pound, while open interest rose to a record 393,020 contracts.Weaker crude, subdued volumes and higher global supply expectations capped gains.
ICE cotton futures settled mixed on Tuesday, remaining within the narrow trading range seen over the past week. Concerns over unfavourable weather conditions in the US cotton belt, potential harvest delays and limited farmer selling provided support to prices. However, weaker crude oil prices, subdued trading volumes and expectations of higher global cotton supplies restricted gains. A softer US dollar offered some support by improving the competitiveness of American cotton in international markets.The most active December 2026 cotton contract settled 9 points lower at 80.51 cents per pound. Other contracts closed between 10 points lower and 6 points higher, reflecting limited price movement across the futures market.Trading volume stood at 45,381 contracts, almost unchanged from Monday's 45,477 contracts. Although trading activity remained relatively subdued for a second consecutive session, market participation continued to strengthen. Open interest increased by 3,697 contracts on Monday to a record high of 393,020 contracts, surpassing the previous peak of 389,494 recorded on September 29. The increase suggested fresh positions were being established despite the narrow trading range.According to the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) latest Crop Progress report for the week ended October 11, cotton harvesting reached 31 per cent, compared with 23 per cent in the previous week and the five-year average of 29 per cent. Boll opening stood at 82 per cent, marginally below the five-year average of 83 per cent. Crop conditions improved slightly, with the proportion rated good increasing by one percentage point and the proportion rated poor declining by one percentage point.Market analysts said that persistent rainfall and adverse weather conditions across the US cotton belt, including the impact of storm Isaias, had raised concerns about crop damage and harvesting delays. Farmers remained reluctant to sell cotton at prevailing prices, providing additional support to the market and limiting losses in December futures.The US dollar retreated from an 18-month high on Tuesday as investors assessed expectations of easing tensions in the Middle East ahead of the US mid-term elections and monitored the Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook. A weaker dollar generally makes US cotton more affordable for overseas buyers, potentially supporting export demand.Meanwhile, Brent crude oil prices declined by 0.9 per cent on Tuesday after reaching nearly a one-month high in the previous session. Traders continued to monitor developments surrounding attacks on Saudi Arabia and Russia's diesel supply outlook. Lower crude oil prices can reduce polyester production costs, potentially improving the synthetic fibre's price competitiveness against cotton and exerting indirect pressure on cotton demand.Market sentiment remained divided between supportive supply-side concerns and broader bearish influences. Adverse weather, potential harvest disruptions, limited farmer selling and a weaker dollar supported cotton futures. Conversely, softer crude oil prices, subdued trading activity and the USDA's upward revisions to global cotton production and stocks continued to weigh on sentiment.The record open interest indicated growing positioning in the futures market, although it did not establish a clear price direction. December cotton continued to consolidate around 80.50 cents per pound, with traders monitoring harvesting progress, weather developments and movements in the dollar and crude oil markets.For Indian textile mills, movements in ICE cotton futures and the US dollar remained important factors influencing cotton import economics and procurement decisions. The near-term outlook remained uncertain, with weather conditions and harvest progress likely to determine the next significant market movement.This morning (Indian Standard Time), December 2026 cotton traded at 81.11 cents per pound (up 0.60 cent). Cash cotton traded at 78.26 cents (down 0.09 cent), while the March 2027 contract traded at 84.36 cents (up 0.53 cent). The May 2027 contract traded at 85.97 cents (up 0.49 cent), the July 2027 contract at 8,627 cents (up 0.35 cent), and the October 2027 contract at 79.90 cents (down 0.10 cent). A few contracts remained at their previous closing levels, with no trading recorded so far today.
Global cotton benchmarks fall over past month: Cotton Inc
Wednesday, 14th Oct 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights: Global cotton benchmarks fell over the past month, with December NY/ICE futures dropping from 93 cents/lb at end-August to 78 cents/lb at start-October before edging near 80 cents/lb.A Index moved from above 100 to near 91 cents/lb, while China, Indian and Pakistani prices also declined.May 2026/27 futures remain near 85 cents/lb, above December.
Global cotton price benchmarks have decreased over the past month, with the December NY/ICE futures contract falling from 93 cents/lb at the end of August to 78 cents/lb at the start of October before recovering slightly to near 80 cents/lb, Cotton Incorporated said.Other 2026-27 NY/ICE contracts, including March, May and July, continued to trade above December. May values remained the highest and were trading near 85 cents/lb..The discount in 2027-28 NY/ICE contracts to 2026-27 prices narrowed after recent declines in 2026-27 values, while the December 2027 contract was near 78 cents/lb. The A Index, which was briefly above 100 cents/lb around the start of September, retreated to levels as low as 88 cents/lb and was most recently near 91 cents/lb, Cotton Inc said in its October 2026 Monthly Economic Letter: Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook.In China, the CC Index 3128B moved from 124 cents/lb, or RMB 18,400/ton ($2,749.49/ton), at the start of September to near 120 cents/lb, or RMB 17,200/ton ($2,570.18/ton), in the latest values. The RMB was steady around 6.71 RMB/USD.Indian cotton prices fell from 94 to 86 cents/lb between the start of September and the present. In local terms, prices ranged between ₹70,000/candy ($730/candy) and ₹64,700/candy ($675/candy), while the INR held near ₹96 per USD.Pakistani cotton prices decreased from 85 to 81 cents/lb, or from PKR 19,400/maund ($70/maund) to PKR 18,400/maund ($66/maund). The PKR held near 277 PKR/USD.
Pakistan records 5.39% rise in cotton arrivals by September-end
Wednesday, 14th Oct 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights: Pakistan's cotton arrivals rose 5.39 per cent year on year to 32.08 lakh bales as of September 30, 2026, PCGA data showed.Domestic textile mills bought 27.27 lakh bales of the 28.23 lakh bales sold, while unsold stocks fell to 3.85 lakh bales.Punjab arrivals increased 6.91 per cent and Sindh 4.48 per cent, but fortnightly inflows slowed and fewer ginning factories operated.
Pakistan’s cotton arrivals increased by 5.39 per cent year on year to 32.08 lakh bales of 170 kg as of September 30, 2026, compared with 30.44 lakh bales in the corresponding period last year, according to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA). The increase reflected higher arrivals in both Punjab and Sindh during the early months of the 2026–27 cotton season.
PCGA data showed that of the 28.23 lakh bales sold by the end of September, the domestic textile industry purchased 27.27 lakh bales, while exporters and traders acquired 0.97 lakh bales. Total unsold cotton stocks stood at 3.85 lakh bales, compared with 5.40 lakh bales a year earlier, indicating lower available inventories despite increased arrivals.Regionally, Punjab recorded arrivals of 12.15 lakh bales, up 6.91 per cent from 11.36 lakh bales in the corresponding period last year. Sindh reported a 4.48 per cent increase to 19.93 lakh bales, compared with 19.08 lakh bales previously. Sindh continued to account for the larger share of total cotton arrivals, contributing 62 per cent of the national total.Fortnightly cotton arrivals stood at 8.20 lakh bales in the second fortnight of September, compared with 10.40 lakh bales during the corresponding fortnight last year, indicating slower crop inflows in the latest reporting period. A total of 459 ginning factories were operational, compared with 501 during the same period last year.
The latest figures suggested a modest improvement in Pakistan’s cotton arrivals during the current season. However, slower fortnightly arrivals and regional variations highlighted continued uncertainty over crop availability. The pace of arrivals in the coming months will remain important for domestic textile mills, which depend on local production and imported cotton to meet their raw material requirements.Pakistan’s cotton production stood at 5.524 million bales during the 2024–25 marketing year, marking a sharp decline of 34.18 per cent from 8.303 million bales in 2023–24. The previous season had witnessed a recovery from the 2022–23 low of 4.912 million bales, when production was severely affected by flooding, heat stress and pest infestations. The sharp fluctuations in recent years highlighted the vulnerability of Pakistan’s cotton crop to adverse weather conditions and agricultural challenges, increasing uncertainty over domestic raw material availability for the textile industry.
Modi, Carney agree to expedite India-Canada CEPA negotiations
Wednesday, 14th Oct 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights: Modi and Carney have reaffirmed commitment to conclude India-Canada CEPA talks early, supporting efforts to double bilateral trade by 2030.They welcomed finance, defence, security, AI and people-to-people engagement, plus the Team Canada Trade Mission to India.They discussed Indo-Pacific instability, trusted energy and agriculture partners, recent security dialogue and Modi's December visit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have reaffirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the earliest opportunity, supporting efforts to double bilateral trade by 2030. The commitment was reiterated during a conversation between the two Prime Ministers yesterday.The leaders welcomed increased engagement between India and Canada over the past year in areas including finance, defence and security, people-to-people ties and artificial intelligence. They also underscored opportunities to build on the renewed momentum in bilateral relations.The Prime Ministers also welcomed the ongoing Team Canada Trade Mission to India, led by Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, as well as the visit of Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand to New Delhi this week to advance shared priorities, including trade, energy and people-to-people ties, as per a release by the Prime Minister of Canada.They discussed the impact of geopolitical instability on the Indo-Pacific region and the need for trusted partners in energy and agriculture. Carney thanked Modi for his leadership in seeking a peaceful resolution to Russia's war on Ukraine.“Had a warm and productive conversation with Prime Minister Mark Carney. We agreed to build on the positive momentum in India-Canada ties and work towards concrete outcomes across key areas of our Strategic Partnership, including trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people ties. Together, India and Canada are contributing towards a more stable and prosperous world,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Both leaders welcomed the bilateral security dialogue held in India last week as part of ongoing security and law enforcement engagement at the National Security Advisor level.
The Prime Ministers agreed to remain in close contact ahead of Modi's visit to Canada in December.
Bhilosa Plans ₹7,500 Crore Textile Investment
Wednesday , 14th Oct 2026,, Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Bhilosa Industries Proposes ₹7,500 Crore Investment in Madhya Pradesh; Expected to Create 3,750 JobsMadhya Pradesh: Bhilosa Industries has proposed an investment of up to ₹7,500 crore in the state. This project is expected to generate direct employment for approximately 3,750 people. The company plans to set up a modern textile manufacturing unit at the PM MITRA Park in Dhar district. This initiative is expected to boost the state's textile industry.
*Discussion on Investment Between Chief Minister and Company Management
The proposed project was discussed during an investment meeting held at the St. Regis Hotel in Mumbai, attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Bhilosa Industries Managing Director Sandeep Jain. Deliberations during the meeting covered investment prospects and various aspects related to industrial development.
Plan to Develop Project on 300 Acres of Land
According to the proposal, the company is in the process of securing approximately 300 acres of land. Of this, 200 acres are earmarked for textile production, while the remaining 100 acres are proposed for the development of ancillary industrial units.
The company plans to invest ₹2,500 crore in the first phase. Subsequently, the aim is to increase the total investment to ₹7,500 crore in a phased manner. Production at the facility is expected to commence in 2028.
Boost to Polyester Production and Employment*
The project entails developing an integrated polyester production ecosystem in the Dhar-Indore region. It proposes the manufacturing of polyester yarn, fiber, knitted fabrics, and other textile products. This could also create new opportunities for small-scale and ancillary industries.
The Central Government has approved seven PM MITRA Parks across the country, including the one in Dhar. These parks aim to foster the textile industry through modern infrastructure and superior logistics facilities. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav assured investors of policy support. The realization of the project is expected to boost the state's textile production capacity, export potential, and local employment opportunities.
ICAR to Organise Curtain-Raiser and Media Interaction Ahead of ESTIC-2026
Wednesday , 14th Oct 2026, (Source: www.pib.gov.in)
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will organise a curtain-raiser event and media interaction on 15th October 2026 at the ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Karnal, Haryana, ahead of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC)-2026, scheduled to be held from 27 to 29 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), will address the curtain-raiser event of ESTIC-2026 and speak on ICAR in ESTIC-2026.
The programme will feature a media interaction on Agri-Tech, Food Systems and Nutrition, providing a platform for discussions on emerging developments in agricultural technology, food systems and nutrition.
ICAR in ESTIC 2026
Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is a member of the Steering Committee of ESTIC-2026, alongside the heads of several major scientific and technology departments of the Government of India. ICAR is directly associated with the thematic session on “Agri-Tech, Food Systems and Nutrition,” one of the 12 major thematic sessions of ESTIC-2026, scheduled for 29th October 2026. The session will be chaired by the Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, and the Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). It will feature a keynote address, presentations by a deep-tech startup CEO, a woman entrepreneur and science and technology (S&T) leaders, followed by a panel discussion. The session will provide a platform to highlight the contribution of agricultural research, innovation and emerging technologies to India's broader science and technology landscape. Several ICAR scientists, including researchers from ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), ICAR–National Institute for Plant Biotechnology and ICAR–National Rice Research Institute, are also listed among the speakers at ESTIC-2026. ICAR's participation will highlight advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, digital agriculture, advanced crop improvement, gene editing and sustainable agricultural systems. In addition, ICAR will showcase its innovations under the theme “Agri-Tech, Food Systems and Nutrition” at the ESTIC-2026 exhibition.
ESTIC-2026
ESTIC-2026 is a flagship platform for science, technology and innovation, bringing together Ministries and Departments of the Government, researchers, innovators, deep-tech start-ups, industries, policymakers, funding agencies and global experts. Organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India, with the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) as the Organising Partner, the three-day event will provide a platform for showcasing cutting-edge research, emerging technologies and deep-tech innovations and fostering collaboration in emerging and critical areas of science, technology and innovation towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Conclave will feature participation from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Ministry of Ayush, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Defence/DRDO, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), ICAR, Department of Health Research (DHR)/Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Space/ISRO, and Department of Telecommunications (DoT), along with Nobel Laureates, global experts, industry leaders, policymakers and emerging science & technology leaders, researchers, innovators, deep-tech start-ups, industries, funding agencies, policymakers and global experts.
ICAR’s participation in ESTIC-2026 will contribute to strengthening collaborative efforts towards sustainable and technology-driven agricultural and food systems in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
