Cotlook Index: 25-08-2026
98.20 (UC)
ICE cotton declines after 8-day rally on slower demand
Wed. 26th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: ICE cotton futures declined after an eight-session rise, with December 2026 settling at 88.34 cents, down 0.49 cent. Cheaper Brazilian and Australian cotton, slower US buying and a 3 per cent weekly fall in crude oil pressured the market.Support came from weak US crop ratings and China's 27th sold-out State Reserve auction, with cumulative sales at 216,580 tonnes.
ICE cotton futures declined yesterday after a sharp rise over the previous eight consecutive sessions. Recent sharp rise discouraged buying of US cotton as Brazilian and Australian cotton was available at cheaper rates. Easing crude oil prices put additional pressure on the ICE cotton. Although the market continued to find support from concerns regarding US dry weather and exceptionally strong buying of cotton from Chinese reserves. The most active December 2026 contract settled at 88.34 cents, down 0.49 cent. The contract erased almost completely gains of 48 points on Monday. October 2026 through July 2028 contracts closed 27-46 points lower. Volume was 40,067 contracts, compared with 51,575 contracts on Monday. The lower volume on the correction suggests that Tuesday's decline did not have the same conviction as the previous rally. Open interest remained one of the strongest features. The cash market is beginning to show resistance at current price levels. Buying has slowed, particularly for US growths, as mills are reluctant to chase cotton after the sharp rise. Brazilian and Australian cotton are currently available at considerably cheaper levels, although the quantities being offered remain relatively small. This could become increasingly important because the futures market has moved much faster than physical demand. Crude oil also came under pressure, falling around 3 per cent during the week. Lower energy prices reduce the production cost of polyester and other synthetic fibres, creating some competition for cotton and adding a modest bearish influence on the fibre market.
At the same time, the US cotton crop story continues to deteriorate. USDA's latest crop-progress data showed US cotton rated only 37 per cent good/excellent, down from 38 per cent the previous week and far below 54 per cent a year ago. Cotton setting bolls reached 81 per cent of the crop, while 20 per cent of the crop had bolls opening. China's State Reserve auction remained exceptionally strong. Tuesday marked the 27th consecutive sold-out auction. Around 8,035 tonnes were sold. The cumulative volume over 27 days has now reached 216,580 tonnes. The average daily selling volume is approximately 8,021 tonnes, showing that the reserve programme continues to clear its offered cotton at a very strong pace. The continued 100 per cent auction clearance is supportive because it indicates that Chinese spinning mills are willing to absorb substantial quantities even at higher prices. However, the important question is whether this buying represents genuine additional consumption or simply replacement of inventories being released from the reserve. Outside China, many mills remain cautious because cotton prices have risen sharply. Overall, Tuesday's decline looks more like a technical correction and profit-taking session than a confirmed bearish reversal. The market remains supported by deteriorating US crop conditions, Texas weather concerns, strong Chinese reserve-auction demand and exceptionally high open interest. The immediate technical picture is now important. Tuesday's low of 87.05 cents is the key short-term support, followed by the 86.00 cents area. On the upside, 88.70 cents is Tuesday's high and 89.45 cents remains the contract high. A sustained move above 89.45 cents would reopen the way towards the psychological 90.00 cents level. A break below 87.05 cents could trigger a deeper correction towards 86 cents and potentially 85.25 cents. This morning (Indian Standard Time), ICE cotton for December 2026 was traded at 88.48 cents per pound (up 0.14 cent), cash cotton at 83.33 cents (Unchanged), the October 2026 at 87.08 cents (Unchanged), the March 2027 contract at 90.31 cents (up 0.08 cent), the May 2027 contract at 91.41 cents (up 0.09 cent), and the July 2027 contract at 90.61 cents (up 0.05 cent). A few contracts remained at their previous closing levels, with no trading recorded so far today.
India Textile Sector Recovery Gains Strength
Wed. 26th Aug 2026, Yash Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Strong Recovery in India's Textile Sector; Cotton Prices Pose a Challenge
India's textile sector is moving towards a strong recovery. According to a report by 360 ONE Capital, improved domestic raw material availability and greater sourcing flexibility are expected to support the industry's margins and spreads. However, the sustainability of this recovery will depend on how effectively the increased cost of cotton is passed on through yarn prices. The report indicates that the recent period has been favorable for cotton spinning. Strong demand, better capacity utilization, and improved yarn spreads have benefited the industry. The supply-demand balance has also improved due to capacity closures and limited additions to new capacity. Increased demand from China has been a significant positive factor for the Indian yarn industry. Higher cotton prices in China have made importing Indian yarn economically attractive. Consequently, monthly exports of Indian yarn have risen from approximately 95–97 million kilograms to around 110 million kilograms. However, a sharp rise in cotton prices during the second quarter has increased risks for spinning margins. If yarn prices do not rise in tandem with the increased cost of raw materials, the recent improvement in spreads could come under pressure. There are also signs of improvement in downstream segments. Garment companies are benefiting from better orders, while the home textile industry is seeing strong demand from the US. According to government data, India's textile and apparel exports stood at ₹3,25,339 crore in 2025–26, marking a 1.8 percent increase over the ₹3,19,573.2 crore recorded in 2024–25.
MP Cotton Season Opens at ₹9,101
Wed. 26th Aug 2026, Yash Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Impressive Start to the 2026-27 Cotton Season in Madhya Pradesh: Cotton Purchased at ₹9,101 in Susari
Today, on August 26, 2026, the procurement for the new 2026-27 cotton season was inaugurated by 'Shri Jayesh Cot' in Susari village, located in the Kukshi tehsil of Madhya Pradesh's Nimar region. Speaking to Smart Info Services, Mr. Bakul Eran, a cotton broker from Indore, stated that the new cotton season in Susari kicked off with an impressive inaugural price of ₹9,101 per quintal. Arrivals of over 1,500 quintals of new cotton were recorded on the very first day, signaling a strong start to the season. (SIS) To mark the occasion, Mr. Raju Patidar, the owner of the ginning factory, inaugurated the procurement by performing a ritualistic worship (puja) of the farmers and the weighing equipment. The inaugural price for the cotton was set at ₹9,101 per quintal. Arrivals of new cotton totaled over 1,500 quintals today. Attendees at the event included Mr. Bakul Eran (broker from Indore), Mr. Nitin Goyal (of Shriram Oil Mill), and others. During the event, a consignment of cotton was sold to Shriram Oil Mill, Indore (represented by Mr. Nitin Goyal) by broker Mr. Laxman Kumar Agarwal (associated with Bakul Eran), Indore. The delivery terms are set for 'spot' (within 2–3 days). (SIS)
Bangladesh eases import rules under new 2026-2029 policy
Wed. 26th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: Bangladesh's new Import Policy Order 2026–2029 removes the value ceiling on imports made through sales or purchase contracts alongside letters of credit, offering businesses greater payment flexibility. The policy also introduces free trade zones and central bonded warehouses, expands raw-material import facilities for exporters and simplifies provisions for NRB investors.
Bangladesh has moved to make its import regime more flexible by allowing industrial and commercial importers to bring in goods through sales or purchase contracts without a value ceiling, alongside traditional letters of credit (LCs), under the newly issued Import Policy Order 2026–2029. The Ministry of Commerce issued the new policy through a gazette notification on August 24, replacing the 2021-2024 order, which expired in June 2024 but remained in effect provisionally. The revised framework aims to modernise import procedures, facilitate trade, support exports, attract investment and improve access to industrial raw materials, as per local media reports. The removal of the value ceiling is one of the most significant changes. Under the previous policy, commercial importers could import goods without LCs against payment from Bangladesh up to $500,000 annually, subject to conditions and separate limits for certain products. The new policy allows greater use of direct contracts and alternative international payment mechanisms. The change could reduce banking procedures and give importers greater flexibility in dealing directly with overseas suppliers. However, increased non-LC transactions will require stronger monitoring of import pricing, foreign-exchange flows and risks related to over- and under-invoicing. The new policy also provides for the establishment of Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and Central Bonded Warehouses, with the government seeking to strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a regional trade, logistics and re-export hub. Goods brought into such zones may be imported through LCs, sales contracts, telegraphic transfers, free-of-cost arrangements or other mechanisms permitted by Bangladesh Bank, irrespective of import value.
Central bonded warehouses are expected to improve the storage and supply of raw materials for export-oriented industries. Existing bonded and back-to-back LC facilities will continue for 100 per cent export-oriented sectors, including readymade garments, specialised textiles, hosiery, leather and leather goods, shipbuilding and furniture. The policy also expands facilities for export-oriented manufacturers to import raw materials and production inputs on a free-of-cost basis, supporting efforts to diversify exports and increase shipments of higher-value products. For the apparel sector, the policy retains minimum net value-addition requirements. Woven and knit garments priced up to $60 per dozen will require 30 per cent value addition, up from 20 per cent under the previous order, while garments priced above $60 will require 10 per cent. Children’s wear will require 15 per cent, while several other categories, including footwear, leather goods, furniture and aluminium foil, will require 20 per cent. The policy also sets conditions for imported fabrics used under bonded facilities. Except for grey or greige cloth, imported fabric must arrive in continuous rolls of at least 18.29 metres to qualify for duty-free bonded import. Cut or scrap pieces will not qualify. The government has further simplified import facilities for Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) by defining the term for the first time in the import policy. Approved industrial enterprises owned by NRBs will have easier access to capital machinery, spare parts and raw materials, while modern international payment methods may be used in accordance with Bangladesh Bank’s foreign-exchange regulations. The policy also seeks to reduce disputes arising from differences between product descriptions and Harmonized System (HS) codes. The approach is intended to minimise delays and difficulties for importers caused by discrepancies in classification and descriptions. International trade agreements have been incorporated into the new framework as well. The policy provides for co-ordination with free trade agreements (FTAs), comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPAs), economic partnership agreements (EPAs), regional agreements and other bilateral or unilateral arrangements. Importers seeking preferential tariff treatment will be required to submit certificates of origin and other documentation specified under the relevant agreements. The framework also incorporates the Invest Bangladesh Act 2026, under which the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority and Public-Private Partnership Authority have been brought together under a unified structure. Despite the broader liberalisation, the policy retains restrictions on a range of products, including certain substandard or reconditioned goods, specified hazardous chemicals and materials covered by international environmental conventions. Imports from Israel and goods carried by Israeli-flagged vessels also remain prohibited. Overall, the 2026–2029 order shifts Bangladesh further away from a predominantly LC-dependent import system towards a more flexible, contract-based framework. The government is seeking to combine easier import financing with stronger investment facilities, export-oriented raw-material access and expanded trade infrastructure, while effective oversight will remain important as alternative payment mechanisms become more widely used.
US' LYCRA Company unveils Lifestyle District at Intertextile China
Wed. 26th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: The LYCRA Company has opened a 356-square-metre Lifestyle District within its 895-square-metre pavilion at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition in China. The space brings 19 co-exhibitors and named partners into fibre, fabric and garment co-creation.
Displays cover COOLMAX, LYCRA and THERMOLITE applications for performance apparel, workwear, denim and everyday essentials.
The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play. “The apparel industry is built on creativity, and great ideas emerge when people with different perspectives come together,” said Jason Wang, vice president, Asia, The LYCRA Company. “This year, we wanted to create an environment that sparks curiosity, encourages new thinking, and showcases what's possible when innovation moves beyond individual products to become part of a broader experience. Intertextile provides an ideal setting to share that vision and inspire what's next for our industry.”
Across the pavilion, LYCRA, COOLMAX, and THERMOLITE brand innovations are showcased through commercial apparel applications that demonstrate how performance, comfort, and sustainability can help address evolving consumer and industry needs.
New for wovens, COOLMAX CloakFX fiber helps mask the appearance of sweat on fabric, delivers wet and dry fabric opacity, or anti-see-through performance, while also providing moisture management. Made with 100% recycled PET and certified under the Global Recycled Standard, it helps reduce reliance on virgin raw materials.
LYCRA FiT400 fiber for both wovens and knits is being previewed at Intertextile. The knits version has been refreshed and is now available in three performance tiers: Essential, Expanded, and Elevated, allowing brands to select the level of functionality and sustainability that best suits their needs. It also delivers non-spandex stretch and cooling benefits that last the life of the garment. The woven version creates fabrics that offer traditional aesthetics with durable, low-to-moderate mechanical stretch for all-day comfort.
RENEWABLE LYCRA fiber is made with 70% renewable content derived in part from field corn grown in the American Midwest. It delivers the same performance as traditional LYCRA fiber while also supporting efforts to reduce garment carbon footprints.
Ebru Ozaydin, product category director, denim & ready-to-wear, The LYCRA Company, will present “Designed for Real Life: How Performance Wovens Are Reshaping the Everyday Wardrobe” on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. China Standard Time at Stage H4.1-A149. The session will explore COOLMAX CloakFX fiber and other innovations designed for workwear, performance fabrics, and everyday apparel applications.
Visitors can explore The LYCRA Company's Lifestyle District and pavilion at Hall 4.1-E56 throughout the Intertextile exhibition. Applications on display span performance apparel, workwear, denim, and everyday essentials, illustrating how ingredient-brand technologies are being translated into commercially relevant products that meet consumer needs.
36th Annual Conference of Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities Commences in New Delhi
Tue. 25th Aug 2026, (Source: www.pib.gov.in)
Agricultural Education Must Be Measured by Its Impact on Farmers, Not by Degrees Awarded: Shri Shivraj Singh ChouhanResearch Must Move from Laboratories to Fields and Deliver Solutions to Farmers: Shri Chouhan Prepare Youth Not Just for Jobs, but to Become Entrepreneurs, Innovators and Job Creators: Union Agriculture Minister Every Conference Must Deliver Clear Resolutions, Action Plans and Measurable Outcomes: Shri Shivraj Singh ChouhanThe 36th Annual Conference of Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities was inaugurated today in New Delhi by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development. Organised on the theme “Reimagining Agricultural Higher Education for ViksitBharat@2047,” the two-day Conference, (25–26 August 2026), brings together Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities, senior officials of DARE and ICAR, Deputy Directors General, Additional Directors General and senior scientists to deliberate on reforms and priorities for a future-ready agricultural education system.The inaugural session was also graced by Shri Bhagirath Choudhary and Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Union Ministers of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, and Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, along with senior officials and dignitaries.Addressing the Conference, Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised that the success of agricultural education must be measured not by the number of degrees awarded, but by the knowledge and skills created and the tangible change brought to farmers’ lives. He called for reimagining agricultural education to make it practical, technology-driven and closely aligned with farmers’ needs. He stressed that research must move from laboratories to fields through stronger collaboration among agricultural universities, ICAR, KVKs, FPOs, industry and farmers. He urged universities to set clear goals, develop actionable roadmaps and measure outcomes, so that every conference leads to concrete decisions and contributes to building a modern, resilient and prosperous agricultural sector for Viksit Bharat.Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary emphasised that a developed India requires a strong and prosperous agriculture sector and empowered farmers. He said India’s journey from food scarcity to self-sufficiency reflects the collective contribution of farmers, scientists, teachers and institutions, and the next priority must be to make agriculture technology-driven, innovative and future-ready. He stressed the need to attract youth to agriculture by creating opportunities in modern technologies, research, entrepreneurship and agribusiness, while urging agricultural universities to align education and research with farmers’ needs. He expressed confidence that the deliberations of the Vice-Chancellors’ Conference would strengthen agricultural education, foster innovation and contribute to building a resilient, sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ram Nath Thakur emphasised that strengthening agriculture and empowering farmers are fundamental to achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat. He highlighted the need to modernise agricultural education, promote innovation and equip youth with the knowledge and skills required to address emerging challenges. He stressed that research and education must remain closely connected to farmers’ needs and translate into practical, field-level solutions. He called upon agricultural universities and institutions to foster a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and excellence, with a strong focus on sustainable and technology-driven agriculture. He expressed confidence that collective efforts in education, research and innovation would accelerate agricultural transformation and contribute to enhancing farmers’ incomes and livelihoods.Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR Dr M.L. Jat, emphasised that achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat requires a fundamental transformation of agricultural higher education—from traditional models to a future-ready, skill-driven and innovation-led ecosystem. He stressed the need to strengthen industry–academia partnerships, promote demand-driven research, ensure robust accreditation and leverage data-driven decision-making. He highlighted that the seamless integration of education, research and extension is essential to translate scientific knowledge into field-level solutions and tangible benefits for farmers. “The objective of future agricultural education should go beyond awarding degrees to creating skilled, innovative and globally competitive human capital aligned with national priorities and the evolving needs of Indian agriculture,” he added.The Conference is structured around five sessions covering 14 agenda items, focusing on student-centric reforms, higher education, faculty development, institutional strengthening, quality enhancement, academic reforms, research, innovation and institutional excellence.The deliberations on student-centric reforms and agricultural higher education covered the Action Taken Report of the previous Vice Chancellors’ Conference, admission systems, research fellowships and the state/category-wise 40% restriction in seat allotment.Discussions also addressed timely ICAR-AIQ counselling and verification, separate Ph.D. counselling for Veterinary Sciences, and UG eligibility for agriculture-qualified and Hindi-medium students to make agricultural education more accessible and inclusive.The Conference also reviewed measures to align JRF/SRF research with national priorities, strengthen accreditation and quality assurance, and improve financial management, accountability and performance-based funding. Emphasis was placed on stronger industry–academia linkages, apprenticeships and internships, curriculum revision, and promotion of dual, twinning and joint degree programmes and academic exchange.Under faculty development and institutional strengthening, the participants deliberated on equivalency of degrees in agriculture and allied sciences, identification of training needs, development of training modules and expert/domain mapping. The proposed induction of Professors of Practice in Agricultural Universities was also discussed to bring professional expertise and practical knowledge into the academic ecosystem.The Conference further considered the development of a comprehensive agricultural education data ecosystem for evidence-based planning, monitoring and decision-making. Strengthening Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) was highlighted as an important avenue for connecting students with rural realities and supporting rural transformation. Discussions also covered Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA) and greater participation of Agricultural Universities in Agriunifest and Agrisports2026 to promote holistic student development.Deliberations on academic reforms, research, innovation and institutional excellence included common agenda items of the Indian Agricultural Universities Association (IAUA), uniform implementation of the UGC Ph.D. Regulations, 2016, and promotion of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) among State Agricultural Universities to accelerate the translation of research into practical technologies and innovations. The Conference also discussed NIRF rating parameters for Agriculture and Allied sectors and mechanisms for sharing expertise through Professors of Practice. The discussions collectively underscored the need for Agricultural Universities to evolve into dynamic, technology-enabled and outcome-oriented ecosystems integrating education, research, innovation, industry and rural engagement. Stronger academic partnerships, quality assurance, data-driven governance and research aligned with national priorities were identified as critical to building globally competitive institutions. Earlier, Dr Yashpal Malik, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), ICAR, delivered the welcome and context-setting address. The inaugural session also featured the presentation and discussion on the Action Taken Report of the previous Conference and a review of progress on earlier decisions.
