# Cotton Futures Trade Mixed as US Harvest Progresses Ahead of Pace

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/cotton-futures-trade-mixed-as-us-harvest-progresses-ahead-of-pace-f45339
- Published: 2026-10-13T22:15:51Z
- Category: commodities; sentiment: mixed; impact: low
- Symbols: [ICEUS:CT1!](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/ICEUS-CT1!)
- Written by our AI from expert market sources across the web for FreeTheAI Stocks, built by Vibhek Soni
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Cotton No. 2 Futures (ICEUS:CT1!) traded in a tight, mixed range on Tuesday, closing between 9 points lower and 6 points higher across active contracts. December 2026 cotton ended at 80.51 cents per pound, down 9 points, while March 2027 contracts gained 2 points to 83.83 cents per pound. Meanwhile, broader market drivers showed crude oil rising $1.05 per barrel and the U.S. dollar index falling $0.375.

Agricultural supply updates showed steady harvesting progress across domestic fields. As of Sunday, 82% of the U.S. cotton crop had bolls opening, with total harvest reaching 31%—running two percentage points ahead of the historical average pace. Crop condition ratings improved as well, with 34% rated in good or excellent condition, up two percentage points from the prior week. Physical market indicators showed 836 bales sold on Monday at an average price of 77.22 cents per pound, while the Cotlook A index rose 50 points to 91.15.

Investors will continue monitoring weekly field activity and global pricing benchmarks as harvesting continues. Certified stocks on the ICE exchange remained steady at 17,756 bales, while the Adjusted World Price fell 135 points to 63.81 cents per pound in its latest weekly adjustment. Traders will look to see whether favorable crop conditions and ahead-of-normal harvest momentum offset shifts in broader energy and currency markets.

## Key points

- Cotton futures closed mixed, ranging from 9 points lower to 6 points higher across contract months.
- The U.S. cotton harvest reached 31% complete, running two percentage points ahead of the average pace.
- Crop condition ratings improved two percentage points, with 34% of the crop rated good to excellent.
- ICE certified cotton stocks held steady at 17,756 bales.
- Crude oil gained $1.05 per barrel while the U.S. dollar index fell $0.375.

## Questions and answers

### What is the current progress of the US cotton harvest?

The U.S. cotton harvest reached 31% complete as of Sunday, which is two percentage points ahead of the normal historical pace for this time of year.

### How are US cotton crop conditions rated?

Latest crop progress data shows 34% of the U.S. cotton crop rated in good or excellent condition, an increase of two percentage points over the previous week.

### Where did cotton futures close on Tuesday?

Cotton futures closed mixed on Tuesday, ranging from 9 points lower to 6 points higher. December 2026 cotton closed at 80.51 cents per pound.