ICE cotton futures posted gains on Friday, with deferred contracts rising by as little as 7 points and front-month contracts increasing by as much as 74 points. The May contract gained 165 points during the week. Crude oil rose $3.57 to $99.30, while the US Dollar Index increased by $0.776 to 100.530.

CFTC data showed that managed money reduced their net short position in cotton futures and options by 6,183 contracts, bringing the net short position to 66,754 contracts in the week ending March 10.

Export Sales data showed total cotton export commitments at 9.157 million RB, which is down 10% compared to last year. This represents 81% of the USDA forecast and lags behind the five-year average pace of 94%. Shipments stand at 5.029 million RB, which is 4% lower than a year ago and represents 45% of the USDA export estimate, behind the average shipping pace of 50%.

The Cotlook A Index fell by 5 points on Thursday to 75.70 cents. The Seam reported sales of 4,202 bales on March 12, with an average price of 56.13 cents per pound. ICE certified cotton stocks declined by 2,728 bales on March 12 due to decertification, bringing the certified stock level to 116,789 bales. The Adjusted World Price increased slightly by 6 points on Thursday to 51.50 cents per pound.