Cotton futures increased on Thursday, with gains ranging from 17 to 81 cents. The May 26 contract closed at 76.8 cents, up 47 points, while July and December contracts closed at 79.45 cents (up 81 points) and 80.68 cents (up 52 points) respectively.
In the week ending April 16, U.S. export sales recorded a total of 119,947 running bales (RB) of old crop cotton, the lowest in 15 weeks. Vietnam led as the top purchaser with 62,100 RB, while Turkey bought 22,400 RB. Additionally, new crop sales amounted to 57,078 RB, with Turkey and Indonesia each purchasing 17,600 RB. Shipments reached a five-week low of 296,379 RB, with Vietnam receiving 89,000 RB and Pakistan 46,600 RB.
Cotton stocks certified by ICE decreased by 179 bales to a total of 165,681 bales on April 22. The Adjusted World Price rose by 365 points to 65.26 cents per pound.
