United States
Brazil
India
China
PakistanAccording to the PriceWatch, the cotton fibre benchmark, Cotlook A Index (28 mm CFR Far East Asia), declined further in Q1 2025, averaging 1719 USD/MT, down 4.72% from Q4 2024 and reaching the lowest level in recent quarters. Ample supply from Brazil and the U.S. pressured global markets, while consumption stayed weak as mills operated cautiously amid subdued textile export demand.
Export competitiveness for Asian spinners diminished curbing buying interest. Futures and forward markets reflected a bearish tone throughout the quarter, highlighting a challenging environment as cotton fibre prices touched multi-year lows.
According to the PriceWatch, in Q2 2025, the cotton fibre benchmark, Cotlook A Index (28 mm CFR Far East Asia), averaged 1724 USD/MT, a slight 0.27% rise from the previous quarter, effectively halting the persistent downtrend. Supply conditions remained comfortable, yet global stockpiling was avoided, preventing deeper declines.
Mill demand stayed cautious but steady, supporting trade flows. Balanced export activity from India and West Africa met moderate overseas demand. Market participants described the quarter as one of consolidation rather than recovery, with cotton fibre prices reflecting stability in a subdued phase.
According to the PriceWatch, the cotton fibre benchmark, Cotlook A Index (28 mm CFR Far East Asia), averaged 2128 USD/MT in Q1 2024, a 4.49% increase over Q4 2023, marking a firm performance compared to late 2023. Strong mills demand and limited exportable surplus in several producing countries supported the index.
Logistics constraints and elevated freight costs added to tightness, while Chinese restocking boosted international buying. ICE futures remained steady, reinforcing confidence in physical markets. The quarter reflected a bullish global trend, with cotton fibre prices maintaining strength.
According to the PriceWatch, in Q2 2024, the cotton fibre benchmark, Cotlook A Index (28 mm CFR Far East Asia), fell to an average of 1917 USD/MT, down 9.91% from Q1 2024, indicating a clear correction from earlier gains. Larger arrivals from Brazil and the U.S. weighed heavily on sentiment, while mill demand softened due to excess yarn inventories and squeezed margins.
Chinese buying interest slowed, further dragging down international benchmarks. With shipping disruptions easing, supply normalized. The quarter carried a bearish undertone, with cotton fibre prices under consistent pressure.
According to the PriceWatch, the cotton fibre benchmark, Cotlook A Index (28 mm CFR Far East Asia), averaged 1793 USD/MT in Q3 2024, a 6.49% decline from Q2 2024, extending the downward trend. Oversupply persisted, with abundant global availability weighing on the market. Asian textile demand remained muted, discouraging forward purchases from mills.
Indian and Pakistani spinners adopted a cautious stance amid weak export orders. Seasonal harvest pressure in producing countries further limited upside. The quarter reflected prolonged weakness, as cotton fibre prices came under sustained selling pressure.
According to the PriceWatch, Q4 2024 showed a modest recovery, with the cotton fibre benchmark, Cotlook A Index (28 mm CFR Far East Asia), averaging 1805 USD/MT, up 0.65% from Q3 2024. USDA projections of tighter global stocks supported price stabilization, while selective buying from Asian markets and Indian procurement ahead of the new crop cycle provided additional support. Although the index firmed, gains were limited by weak global textile demand. Overall, the quarter reflected cautious optimism, with cotton fibre prices stabilizing.
According to the PriceWatch, Shankar-6 (29 mm Ex-Gin Gujarat) cotton prices averaged 617 USD/Candy in Gujarat during Q1 2025, recording a further 5.10% decline QoQ. Heavy arrivals across the state kept supplies ample, while sluggish spinning activity created demand pressure. Mills in Gujarat procured conservatively, citing squeezed yarn margins. Export orders remained weak, leaving ginners with excess stock. The overall tone was bearish, with prices under continuous pressure in Gujarat’s key cotton belts.
According to the PriceWatch, Shankar-6 (29 mm Ex-Gin Gujarat) cotton prices averaged 632 USD/Candy in Q2 2025, marking a 2.47% recovery QoQ after several declining quarters. Limited recovery in export demand, particularly from Asian buyers, provided some support.
Weather concerns in Gujarat added slight uncertainty, prompting cautious buying by mills. Spinners in the state maintained selective procurement, keeping activity balanced. While prices resisted further falls, Gujarat’s market remained fragile, with recovery prospects dependent on demand revival.
According to the PriceWatch, Shankar-6 (29 mm Ex-Gin Gujarat) cotton prices in Gujarat averaged 693 USD/Candy in Q1 2024, up 1.50% from the previous quarter. Domestic mills in Gujarat supported prices with steady procurement, though purchases were mostly on a need-based basis.
Arrivals remained abundant, capping any major upside for ginners. Export activity was limited, and most of the price support came from domestic consumption. With yarn demand still subdued, Gujarat’s cotton market reflected a stable-to-firm trend without strong bullishness.
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2024, Shankar-6 (29 mm Ex-Gin Gujarat) cotton prices averaged 690 USD/Candy, down 0.45% QoQ. The monsoon outlook influenced sentiment, with expectations of a healthy crop ahead keeping buyers cautious. Spinners in Gujarat restricted buying to short-term requirements, avoiding stock accumulation. Ginners reported lower margins due to slow offtake and muted yarn demand. Overall, the Gujarat market stayed stable, though underlying pressure from supply expectations kept the tone slightly soft.
According to the PriceWatch, Local mills stepped in selectively during Q3 2024, with Shankar-6 (29 mm Ex-Gin Gujarat) cotton prices averaging 694 USD/Candy, a 0.63% rise QoQ. Festive season demand for yarn supported procurement by Gujarat-based spinners, which provided some cushion despite weak export activity. However, high yarn inventories limited aggressive buying. The market held a cautious but firm undertone, with Gujarat’s cotton showing slight resilience compared to earlier quarter.
According to the PriceWatch, In Q4 2024, Shankar-6 (29 mm Ex-Gin Gujarat) cotton prices declined sharply to 650 USD/Candy, down 6.41% QoQ. Fresh arrivals from the new crop in Gujarat flooded the market, weighing heavily on prices. Ginners faced pressure as farmer selling accelerated, while MSP procurement in the state remained minimal. Domestic mills slowed down buying as yarn demand stayed weak. With supplies exceeding consumption, Gujarat’s cotton market turned distinctly bearish, marking the sharpest quarterly fall of the year.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Cotlook A Index represents the benchmark for Upland Cotton, widely used in textile and apparel production globally. It reflects medium-staple cotton of consistent quality, serving as the reference point for international cotton prices. China cotton indices 3128B, 227B, and 2129B represent benchmark grades for Chinese cotton, widely used in domestic textile and apparel manufacturing. These indices reflect medium- to long-staple cotton with consistent quality, forming the basis for China’s cotton pricing. Brazil Cotton Index represents benchmark grades for Brazilian cotton, widely used in domestic and international textile manufacturing. It reflects medium- to long-staple cotton of consistent quality, serving as the reference for Brazil’s cotton prices. KCA Spot Rate represents benchmark grades for Pakistani cotton, widely used in domestic textile manufacturing and export markets. It reflects medium-staple cotton of consistent quality, serving as the reference for cotton prices in Pakistan. Shankar-6 Cotton represents benchmark grades for Indian cotton, primarily sourced from Gujarat, and widely used in domestic textile manufacturing and export markets. It reflects medium-staple cotton of consistent quality, serving as the reference for cotton prices in Gujarat and other key Indian regions.
Packaging Type
Cotton Fibre Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
Technical Specification: Cotlook A IndexÂ
| Property | Specification |
| Staple Length | 28 mm |
| Micronaire | 3.3–4.9 |
| Strength | 28–32 g/tex |
| Uniformity Index | ≥ 80% |
| Colour Grade | White |
| Trash Content | ≤ 2% |
| Moisture Content | 7–8% |
Technical Specification: China Cotton 3128B / 227B / 2129BÂ
| Property | 3128B | 227B | 2129B |
| Staple Length | 28–29 mm | 27–28 mm | 29–30 mm |
| Micronaire | 3.2–4.5 | 3.1–4.5 | 3.3–4.7 |
| Strength | 28–32 g/tex | 27–31 g/tex | 29–33 g/tex |
| Uniformity Index | ≥ 80% | ≥ 78% | ≥ 82% |
| Colour Grade | White | White | White |
| Trash Content | ≤ 2% | ≤ 2% | ≤ 2% |
| Moisture Content | 7–8% | 7–8% | 7–8% |
Technical Specification: Brazil Cotton IndexÂ
| Property | Specification |
| Staple Length | 24 mm |
| Micronaire | 3.2–4.8 |
| Strength | 28–33 g/tex |
| Uniformity Index | ≥ 80% |
| Colour Grade | White |
| Trash Content | ≤ 2% |
| Moisture Content | 7–8% |
Technical Specification: KCA Spot Rate Cotton (Pakistan)Â
| Property | Specification |
| Staple Length | 27 mm |
| Micronaire | 3.2–4.5 |
| Strength | 28–32 g/tex |
| Uniformity Index | ≥ 78% |
| Colour Grade | White |
| Trash Content | ≤ 3% |
| Moisture Content | 7–8% |
Technical Specification: Shankar–6 Cotton (India)
| Property | Specification |
| Staple Length | 29 mm |
| Micronaire | 3.2–4.5 |
| Strength | 28–32 g/tex |
| Uniformity Index | ≥ 78% |
| Colour Grade | White |
| Trash Content | ≤ 3% |
| Moisture Content | 7–8% |
Cotton Fibre Applications
Cotton fibre is widely used in the textile and apparel industry due to its natural softness, breathability, and durability. It is the primary raw material for manufacturing a wide range of products, including yarns, fabrics, home textiles, and industrial textiles. In apparel, cotton is utilized for making shirts, dresses, denim, T-shirts, and undergarments due to its comfort and moisture-absorbing properties. In home textiles, cotton finds applications in bed linen, towels, curtains, and upholstery. Additionally, cotton is used in industrial products such as medical supplies, filtration fabrics, and protective clothing, benefiting from its strength and versatility. Its biodegradability and renewable nature also make it a preferred choice for sustainable textile products, ensuring both performance and environmental friendliness.
Indian Cotton Import Duty Exemption (2025): In 2025, the Indian government extended the 11% import duty exemption on cotton to stabilize the textile industry amid raw material shortages. While the policy aimed to support domestic textile manufacturers, it increased the inflow of lower-priced imported cotton, exerting pressure on local cotton prices. Indian cotton producers faced heightened competition, with revenues affected due to market undercutting. This policy decision underscored the delicate balance between fostering industrial growth and safeguarding domestic agricultural interests. Price movements during this period reflected both policy-driven and market-driven influences, emphasizing the sensitivity of the cotton sector to regulatory measures.
COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–2021): The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions across the global textile and apparel sector, reducing demand for cotton significantly. Lockdowns in major consuming countries, coupled with a decline in retail sales, resulted in a surplus of cotton stocks. Supply chain interruptions and labour shortages added further complexity, creating volatility in pricing. Cotton markets experienced sharp declines as both domestic and international buyers scaled back procurement. The pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of global commodities to sudden economic shocks and emphasized the need for resilient supply chain strategies. Market recovery began gradually as restrictions eased, and production-normalization initiatives were implemented.
U.S.-China Trade War (2018–2020): The U.S.-China trade war created significant disruptions in global cotton trade, with tariffs imposed on a wide range of commodities, including cotton. China, being a major importer, retaliated with tariffs on U.S. cotton, sharply reducing American exports. This led to an oversupply in the U.S. market, exerting downward pressure on cotton prices. Farmers experienced financial strain as production costs remained high while revenues fell. The uncertainty surrounding global trade policies further amplified price volatility. During this period, market sentiment remained cautious, with investors and producers closely monitoring tariff announcements and their potential impact on supply-demand dynamics.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global cotton fibre price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the cotton fibre market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence cotton fibre prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely cotton fibre market data.
Track PriceWatch's cotton fibre price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Cotton fibre pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Cotlook A Index represents the benchmark for Upland Cotton, widely used in textile and apparel production globally. It reflects medium-staple cotton of consistent quality, serving as the reference point for international cotton prices. China cotton indices 3128B, 227B, and 2129B represent benchmark grades for Chinese cotton, widely used in domestic textile and apparel manufacturing. These indices reflect medium- to long-staple cotton with consistent quality, forming the basis for China’s cotton pricing. Brazil Cotton Index represents benchmark grades for Brazilian cotton, widely used in domestic and international textile manufacturing. It reflects medium- to long-staple cotton of consistent quality, serving as the reference for Brazil’s cotton prices. KCA Spot Rate represents benchmark grades for Pakistani cotton, widely used in domestic textile manufacturing and export markets. It reflects medium-staple cotton of consistent quality, serving as the reference for cotton prices in Pakistan. Shankar-6 Cotton represents benchmark grades for Indian cotton, primarily sourced from Gujarat, and widely used in domestic textile manufacturing and export markets. It reflects medium-staple cotton of consistent quality, serving as the reference for cotton prices in Gujarat and other key Indian regions.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
Technical Specification: Cotlook A IndexÂ
| Property | Specification |
| Staple Length | 28 mm |
| Micronaire | 3.3–4.9 |
| Strength | 28–32 g/tex |
| Uniformity Index | ≥ 80% |
| Colour Grade | White |
| Trash Content | ≤ 2% |
| Moisture Content | 7–8% |
Technical Specification: China Cotton 3128B / 227B / 2129BÂ
| Property | 3128B | 227B | 2129B |
| Staple Length | 28–29 mm | 27–28 mm | 29–30 mm |
| Micronaire | 3.2–4.5 | 3.1–4.5 | 3.3–4.7 |
| Strength | 28–32 g/tex | 27–31 g/tex | 29–33 g/tex |
| Uniformity Index | ≥ 80% | ≥ 78% | ≥ 82% |
| Colour Grade | White | White | White |
| Trash Content | ≤ 2% | ≤ 2% | ≤ 2% |
| Moisture Content | 7–8% | 7–8% | 7–8% |
Technical Specification: Brazil Cotton IndexÂ
| Property | Specification |
| Staple Length | 24 mm |
| Micronaire | 3.2–4.8 |
| Strength | 28–33 g/tex |
| Uniformity Index | ≥ 80% |
| Colour Grade | White |
| Trash Content | ≤ 2% |
| Moisture Content | 7–8% |
Technical Specification: KCA Spot Rate Cotton (Pakistan)Â
| Property | Specification |
| Staple Length | 27 mm |
| Micronaire | 3.2–4.5 |
| Strength | 28–32 g/tex |
| Uniformity Index | ≥ 78% |
| Colour Grade | White |
| Trash Content | ≤ 3% |
| Moisture Content | 7–8% |
Technical Specification: Shankar–6 Cotton (India)
| Property | Specification |
| Staple Length | 29 mm |
| Micronaire | 3.2–4.5 |
| Strength | 28–32 g/tex |
| Uniformity Index | ≥ 78% |
| Colour Grade | White |
| Trash Content | ≤ 3% |
| Moisture Content | 7–8% |
Applications
Cotton fibre is widely used in the textile and apparel industry due to its natural softness, breathability, and durability. It is the primary raw material for manufacturing a wide range of products, including yarns, fabrics, home textiles, and industrial textiles. In apparel, cotton is utilized for making shirts, dresses, denim, T-shirts, and undergarments due to its comfort and moisture-absorbing properties. In home textiles, cotton finds applications in bed linen, towels, curtains, and upholstery. Additionally, cotton is used in industrial products such as medical supplies, filtration fabrics, and protective clothing, benefiting from its strength and versatility. Its biodegradability and renewable nature also make it a preferred choice for sustainable textile products, ensuring both performance and environmental friendliness.
Cotton fibre prices are influenced by multiple factors, including global supply and demand, weather and climate conditions, crop yields in major producing countries (India, USA, China, Brazil, Pakistan), and government policies such as subsidies or export restrictions. Additionally, international trade dynamics, currency fluctuations, and transportation costs impact price movements. Market speculation and seasonal demand from the textile and apparel industries also contribute to price volatility.
Changes in supply, such as crop shortfalls due to droughts, floods, or pest infestations, can reduce availability and push prices higher. Conversely, oversupply from abundant harvests or increased imports can lower prices. Demand shifts from textile manufacturers, export orders, and seasonal consumption cycles directly impact pricing. Monitoring these factors is crucial for buyers and traders to plan procurement and inventory strategies effectively.
Buyers can optimize procurement by tracking global cotton market trends, including benchmark indices like Cotlook A, CCI, KCA Spot, and Brazil Cotton Index. Securing long-term contracts when prices are favourable, diversifying suppliers across producing regions, and hedging against currency or market volatility can mitigate risks. Awareness of geopolitical developments, government policies, and seasonal demand patterns also helps in making cost-effective and timely purchasing decisions.