Marked by a decline in key international benchmarks, global cotton prices eased during October. According to Cotton Incorporated, the softer trend reflects persistent weak global demand and typical seasonal market softness as the 2025 crop harvest season advances.
The NY/ICE December contract dropped below a key support level of 66 cents per pound, hitting a new contract-life low below 65 cents, though it managed a slight recovery later in the month. The Cotlook A Index slipped from 78 cents to 76 cents per pound.
In China, the CC Index (3128B) fell to 94 cents per pound. The Chinese Yuan (RMB) remained stable against the dollar at roughly RMB 7.12 per US$.
Prices in South Asian markets were comparatively stable, largely due to domestic currency strength. India's Shankar-6 cotton prices held steady at 78 cents per pound (around Rs 55,000 per candy), supported by a stable Rupee Rs 88 per US$.
Pakistan saw spot prices remain steady at about 68 cents per pound backed by a stable Pakistani Rupee at PKR 28 per US$.
The overall weakness across global benchmarks suggests that worldwide demand for cotton is sluggish, a factor that continues to weigh on the market as new supply enters the system.
