ICE cotton futures on Thursday closed mixed, ranging from 16 points higher to 21 points lower, while the May contract was up 146 points for the week. The US Dollar Index rose by 0.402 to 99.860. Crude oil prices increased by $11.94 to $112.06 per barrel following President Trump’s national address on Wednesday night, which indicated the possibility of another 2–3 weeks of strikes and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The market will remain closed on Friday in observance of Good Friday.

Export Sales data showed that 371,475 RB of 2025/26 cotton were sold in the week ending March 26, marking a six-week high and well above the same period last year. Vietnam purchased 175,500 RB, while Turkey bought 59,400 RB. New crop sales were reported at 117,271 RB, the second-largest of the marketing year. Total sales reached 488,746 RB, the highest level in six weeks.

Cotton shipments during the week were reported at 356,663 RB, down 10.96% from the previous week. Vietnam was the top destination with shipments totaling 104,100 RB.

Census trade data showed February cotton exports (excluding linters) at 1.072 million bales, the lowest for the month in 10 years, though still 15.51% higher than January.

The Seam platform reported sales of 2,488 bales on April 1 at an average price of 63.03 cents per pound. The Cotlook A Index fell by 20 points on April 1 to 80.75 cents. ICE certified cotton stocks remained unchanged on Wednesday at 114,665 bales. The Adjusted World Price (AWP) was increased by 252 points on Thursday afternoon to 56.99 cents per pound.