Global cotton prices mixed in July; China & India show modest gains
The December NY/ICE cotton futures contract, the most actively traded, hovered near the upper end of its recent range between 67 and 70 cents per pound but failed to maintain upward momentum. The contract is currently priced close to 67 cents per pound, reflecting the persistent sideways pattern in global trading.
The Cotlook A Index, another key international benchmark, fluctuated within a narrow band of 77 to 80 cents per pound, settling near 78 cents per pound at latest count, Cotton Incorporated said in its Monthly Economic Letter - Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook, July 2025.
Global cotton prices were mostly flat in July, with slight gains in China and India. The NY/ICE December contract remained rangebound near 67 cents/lb. China's CC Index rose to 97 cents/lb, continuing an uptrend since May. Indian Shankar-6 prices climbed to 84 cents/lb. In contrast, Pakistan's market held steady at 70 cents/lb. Currencies in all three countries remained stable.
In China, the Cotton Index (CC Index 3128B) continued its gradual rise. Internationally, it increased from 92 to 97 cents per pound over the past month, extending a steady upward trend that began in May, when prices bottomed around 88 cents per pound. In domestic terms, Chinese prices climbed from 14,600 to 15,100 RMB/ton, with the renminbi remaining stable near 7.17 RMB/USD.
India's Shankar-6 spot prices also edged higher; surpassing highs set in May. Prices rose from 80 cents per pound (or ₹54,000 per candy) to approximately 84 cents per pound (or ₹56,000 per candy) over the past month. The Indian rupee held steady at around ₹86 per USD.
In contrast, Pakistan's cotton market remained flat. Spot prices were stable at around 70 cents per pound, with domestic values hovering near 16,500 PKR per maund. The Pakistani rupee also remained stable, trading near 283 PKR per USD.
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