Cotton Futures Edge Higher as US Harvest Advances Ahead of Schedule
Cotton futures logged minor gains at Monday's settlement, with active contracts finishing up between 1 and 19 points. December 2026 cotton rose 13 points to close at 80.13 cents per pound, while March 2027 contracts added 19 points to settle at 83.43 cents. The price gains coincided with broader upward movement in related markets, as crude oil climbed $1.74 per barrel and the U.S. dollar index gained $0.142.
Supply and crop tracking data showed field work moving along at a rapid pace across major growing regions. The latest weekly crop progress report indicated that 85% of the domestic cotton crop had bolls opening, with harvesting reaching 41% complete—four percentage points ahead of the historical average pace. Crop quality showed minor improvement, with 35% rated in good to excellent condition, up one percentage point from the prior week.
Market participants continue monitoring commercial physical market movement and inventory levels. Recent spot transactions reflected 1,729 bales sold at an average of 74.28 cents per pound, while official certified stocks held steady at 15,129 bales. Traders will watch whether accelerating field collection or shifting global benchmark prices exert further pressure or support on futures in upcoming sessions.
Key points
- Cotton futures closed 1 to 19 points higher across contracts, with December 2026 cotton settling up 13 points at 80.13 cents per pound.
- The U.S. cotton harvest reached 41% completion, running four percentage points ahead of the average historical pace.
- Crop condition ratings improved by one percentage point to 35% rated good to excellent, while 85% of crops had bolls opening.
- Crude oil increased by $1.74 per barrel and the U.S. dollar index rose $0.142 during the session.
- Certified cotton stocks remained stable at 15,129 bales as spot market transactions averaged 74.28 cents per pound.
Written by our AI from expert market sources across the web. It can contain mistakes: check the facts before acting on them. Write-ups powered by the free AI API at FreeTheAI.org
How we writeDisclaimerQuestions and answers
What is the current progress of the U.S. cotton harvest?
As of Sunday, 41% of the U.S. cotton crop has been harvested, which is four percentage points ahead of the typical pace. Additionally, 85% of the crop has bolls opening, and 35% is rated in good or excellent condition.
Where did cotton futures close on Monday?
December 2026 cotton futures closed 13 points higher at 80.13 cents per pound. March 2027 contracts rose 19 points to 83.43 cents, and May 2027 contracts gained 16 points to settle at 85.09 cents.
How did related financial markets move alongside cotton?
On the same session, crude oil prices increased by $1.74 per barrel, and the U.S. dollar index rose by $0.142.