Recent Price Movement - Most cotton benchmarks remained stable over the past month [1] Supply, Demand & Trade - USDA estimates show a slight reduction in global production by 292,000 bales to 119.8 million and mill use by 275,000 bales to 118.6 million for 2025/26. World beginning stocks were slightly increased by 127,000 bales to 74.6 million, resulting in a minor net effect on ending stocks, which increased by 42,000 bales to 76.0 million [2] - The largest changes in production figures were for Mali, reduced by 280,000 bales to 820,000, and the U.S., increased by 153,000 bales to 14.3 million. For mill use, Brazil saw a reduction of 100,000 bales to 3.4 million, and the U.S. also decreased by 100,000 bales to 1.6 million [3] - Global trade figures were reduced by 275,000 bales to 43.7 million. The largest import changes were for Bangladesh, down by 100,000 bales to 8.0 million, and Vietnam, down by 100,000 bales to 8.1 million. Mali's exports were reduced by 150,000 bales to 900,000 [4] Price Outlook - Following the reopening of the U.S. government, previously disrupted data streams have resumed. During the 43-day government shutdown, cotton prices decreased, with the NY/ICE contract dropping from over 67 cents/lb to near 63 cents [5] - The shutdown is not seen as a significant factor in price movement; however, the release of government data during this period highlighted other factors, such as increased production estimates for China, Brazil, and the U.S., indicating ample exportable supply relative to import demand [6] - By late November, the NY/ICE March contract tested levels near 65 cents/lb but retreated to around 63 cents. The A Index decreased from 76 to 74 cents/lb. The Chinese Cotton Index (CC Index 3128B) was steady, moving slightly higher from 94 to 96 cents/lb, with domestic values between 14,750 and 15,000 RMB/ton. The RMB strengthened slightly against the dollar from 7.12 to 7.07 RMB/USD. Indian spot prices remained near 74 cents/lb or approximately 52,000 INR/candy, with the INR trading around 89 INR/USD. Pakistani spot prices were steady near 66 cents/lb or 15,300 PKR/maund, with the PKR around 281 PKR/USD [7]

Group 1 - ICE cotton futures prices have shown a weak oscillating trend since the fourth quarter, with the main contract dipping to a low of 63 cents per pound due to the U.S. government shutdown causing data absence and global trade uncertainties, as well as unfavorable changes in U.S. cotton production estimates and export conditions [1] - The USDA's December supply and demand report indicates a slight increase in global cotton ending stocks, with initial stocks raised by 120,000 bales, production estimates reduced by 290,000 bales, and consumption estimates lowered by 270,000 bales, resulting in a net increase of 40,000 bales in ending stocks, reflecting overall stability [2] - The U.S. cotton production estimate was raised by 150,000 bales, while consumption was reduced by 100,000 bales, leading to a 200,000 bale increase in ending stocks, totaling 4.5 million bales, with a notable increase in the beginning stocks contributing to this rise [3] Group 2 - The U.S. weekly export report shows a significant increase in weekly cotton contracts, with a total of 66,300 tons signed, marking a 258% week-over-week increase and a 28% year-over-year increase, with Vietnam and Mexico being the largest buyers [4] - Brazil's cotton planting area is expected to decrease due to falling prices and adverse weather conditions affecting planting schedules, with the Mato Grosso state predicting a production of 2.58 million tons, a decrease from previous estimates [5] - In contrast, Pakistan's spinning mills are operating at a high rate, while Indian and Vietnamese mills are experiencing a downward trend in operating rates, with Pakistan's mills performing at their highest levels in three years [6][7] Group 3 - The EU's textile and apparel imports from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and the U.S. increased by 10.68% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2025, with a total import value of €436.75 billion, while U.S. textile and apparel imports showed a slight decline in August [8] - The USDA's December report forecasts China's cotton production for 2025/2026 at 7.3 million tons, a 5% increase year-over-year, while India's production is estimated at 5.22 million tons, indicating limited adjustment potential for both countries [9]

光期研究 见微知著 棉花策略月报 2025 年 1 2 月 1 光大证券 2020 年 半 年 度 业 绩 E V E R B R I G H T S E C U R I T I E S 棉花：在质疑中前行 p 2 棉花：在质疑中前行 总 结 供应端：2025/26年度全球棉花产量同比增加，当前仍是北半球棉花供应压力高峰期，且仍将持续一段时间，上方压力不容忽视。 1、USDA11月报预计，2025/26年度全球棉花产量预计值为2614.5万吨，环比增加52.3万吨，同比增加0.7%。其中美国棉花产量预计为307.4万吨，环比调增19.6万吨；巴 西棉花产量408.9万吨，环比调增10.9万吨；中国棉花产量预计值为729.4万吨，环比调增21.8万吨。2、当前国内棉花采摘、交售已经基本结束。据同花顺数据，截至11 月20日，新棉加工量为463.1万吨，同比增加140万吨，新棉加工率64.2%，同比增加4.3%。3、截至11月27日，全国棉花公检量404.89万吨，较去年同比增加53.94万吨， 其中新疆地区公检量398.38万吨。 需求端：下游新疆地区纺织企业利润较好，开机稳定，10月服装鞋帽、针、纺织品零售额 ...

Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided. Core View of the Report From the fundamental perspective, demand is not too bad after the peak season. The downstream operating rate remains at a moderately weak level, and the previous decline in the futures market has digested the bearish impact of a bumper harvest. Currently, there is no strong driving force for the market, and it is expected that cotton prices will continue to fluctuate in the short term [9]. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 1. Weekly Assessment and Strategy Recommendation - **Market Review**: The price of US cotton futures fluctuated this week. As of Friday, the closing price of the March contract of US cotton futures was reported at 63.93 cents per pound, a decrease of 0.21 cents per pound or 0.33% from the previous week. The spread between the March - May contracts of US cotton fluctuated, reported at -1.26 cents per pound, a decrease of 0.08 cents per pound from the previous week. Domestically, the price of Zhengzhou cotton continued to fluctuate. As of Friday, the closing price of the January contract of Zhengzhou cotton was reported at 13,460 yuan per ton, an increase of 10 yuan per ton or 0.07% from the previous week. The China Cotton Price Index (CCIndex) 3128B was reported at 14,371 yuan per ton, a decrease of 435 yuan per ton from the previous week. The basis weakened, reported at 917 yuan per ton, a decrease of 425 yuan per ton from the previous week. The spread between the January - May contracts of Zhengzhou cotton fluctuated, reported at 15 yuan per ton, an increase of 35 yuan per ton from the previous week [9]. - **Industry Information**: According to the latest monthly supply - demand report data from the USDA, the global cotton production in the 2025/26 season is expected to increase by 520,000 tons to 26.14 million tons compared to the September estimate. Among them, the production in the US increased by 190,000 tons to 3.07 million tons; the production in Brazil increased by 110,000 tons to 4.08 million tons; the production in India remained at the estimated 5.23 million tons; and the production in China increased by 220,000 tons to 7.29 million tons. According to data released by the General Administration of Customs, in October 2025, China imported 90,000 tons of cotton, a year - on - year decrease of 20,000 tons. From January to October 2025, China imported 780,000 tons of cotton, a year - on - year decrease of 1.61 million tons or 67.36%. According to the latest data released by Mysteel, as of the week of November 14, the operating rate of spinning mills was 65.5%, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous week, a decrease of 2.9 percentage points from the same period last year, and a decrease of 7.1 percentage points compared to the average of the past five years (72.6%); the national commercial cotton inventory was 3.8 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 370,000 tons [9]. - **View and Strategy**: It is expected that cotton prices will continue to fluctuate in the short term. The trading strategy recommendation is to wait and see [9][11]. 2. Spread Trend Review The report presents multiple spread trend charts, including the China Cotton Price Index, the basis trend of the main contract of Zhengzhou cotton, import profit, Zhengzhou cotton monthly spreads, and spreads of US cotton contracts, etc., to show the historical trends of various spreads [23]. 3. Domestic Market Situation - **Cotton Production**: Charts show the processing and inspection quantity of Chinese cotton and the purchase price of Xinjiang seed cotton [37]. - **Cotton Imports**: The monthly and annual cumulative import volumes of Chinese cotton are presented, as well as the cumulative and weekly export contract volumes of the US to China [39][42]. - **Cotton Yarn Imports**: The monthly and annual cumulative import volumes of Chinese cotton yarn are shown [44]. - **Downstream Operating Rate**: The operating rates of spinning mills and weaving mills are presented [47]. - **Sales Progress**: The national cotton sales progress and the daily trading volume of the Light Textile City are shown [49]. - **Cotton Inventory**: The weekly commercial inventory of Chinese cotton and the combined commercial and industrial monthly inventory are presented, as well as the raw material and finished product inventories of spinning mills [52][54]. 4. International Market Situation - **US Situation**: Charts show the proportion of US cotton - growing areas without drought, the good - excellent rate of US cotton, production, planting area, export contract progress, export shipment volume, supply surplus/shortage, and inventory - consumption ratio [58]. - **Brazil Situation**: The planting area, production, and export volume of Brazilian cotton, as well as supply surplus/shortage and inventory - consumption ratio are presented [70]. - **India Situation**: The planting area, production, consumption, import - export volume, supply surplus/shortage, and inventory - consumption ratio of Indian cotton are shown [78].

Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the content Core Viewpoints - The November USDA report increased the production estimates of the US and China, which was overall bearish. With the increase in new cotton processing volume, the market's estimate of the new - season cotton production was also raised. Downstream demand was average, and there were signs of inventory accumulation in finished products, but the overall pressure was not significant. As seed cotton procurement was nearing completion, the supply pressure was becoming more evident with the concentrated listing of new cotton. It was expected that Zhengzhou cotton futures would be weak in the short term. Key factors to watch were macro - economic conditions, demand, and policies [3]. - The November USDA report did not adjust the harvested price of US cotton but raised the yield per unit, ultimately increasing the US cotton production estimate by 200,000 tons compared to September. It also increased China's cotton production estimate by 220,000 tons and Brazil's by 110,000 tons. Globally, the cotton production estimate was raised by 520,000 tons, and the ending inventory estimate was increased by 600,000 tons compared to September, showing a bearish outlook [3]. Summary by Related Catalogs Cotton Production and Supply - As of November 13, the national new cotton picking progress was 98.3%, the delivery rate was 95.5%, the processing rate was 56%, and the sales rate was 22.8%. As of November 16, the national new cotton inspection volume in the 2025/26 season was 3.0893 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 20.24% [6]. - According to the USDA's weekly export report, as of the week ending September 25, the weekly signing volume of 2025/26 US upland cotton was 35,200 tons, a week - on - week increase of 81%, a 4% decrease from the four - week average, and a year - on - year increase of 77% [24]. - As of 24:00 on November 17, the cotton inspection volume in the 25/26 season was about 3.1708 million tons, a year - on - year increase of about 19.73% [42]. Cotton Market Price and Index - From November 10 to November 17, the price of the ZCE active cotton contract dropped from 13,580 yuan/ton to 13,445 yuan/ton, a decrease of 135 yuan/ton, and the ICE active cotton contract dropped from 64.34 cents/pound to 64.21 cents/pound, a decrease of 0.13 cents/pound [10]. - From November 10 to November 17, the CotlookA price index dropped from 75.2 cents/pound to 74.4 cents/pound, a decrease of 0.80 cents/pound, and the Indian S - 6 spot price dropped from 52,300 rupees/candy to 51,900 rupees/candy, a decrease of 400 rupees/candy [12]. - From November 10 to November 17, the port pick - up prices of imported cotton yarns such as Indian C32S, Vietnamese C32S, and Indonesian C32S all decreased [14]. - From November 10 to November 17, the arrival prices of imported cotton such as US EMOT M and Brazilian M under 1% tariff and sliding - scale duty all decreased [15]. Textile and Apparel Market - In October 2025, China's textile and apparel export volume was 2.2619 billion US dollars, a year - on - year decrease of 12.63% and a month - on - month decrease of 8.84%. Among them, textile exports decreased by 9.10% year - on - year and 5.92% month - on - month, and apparel exports decreased by 15.97% year - on - year and 11.64% month - on - month [4]. - Benefiting from the pre - promotion of "Double Eleven", clothing consumption showed a stable recovery trend. In October, the retail sales of textiles and apparel reached 147.1 billion yuan, a year - on - year increase of 6.3%, and the growth rate increased by 1.6 percentage points month - on - month, significantly outperforming the growth rate of total retail sales of consumer goods [5]. Inventory and Related Indicators - As of this Wednesday, the sum of Zhengzhou cotton warehouse receipts and valid forecasts was 5,314, and the sum of Zhengzhou yarn warehouse receipts and valid forecasts was 28 [69]. - On Tuesday of this week, the spot price index of 328 cotton increased week - on - week, the closing price of the main Zhengzhou cotton futures contract increased week - on - week, and the basis between them widened week - on - week. The price index of C32S yarn increased week - on - week, the closing price of the main Zhengzhou yarn futures contract increased week - on - week, and the basis between them widened week - on - week [54][55]. - On Tuesday of this week, the price difference between the domestic 328 cotton price index and the imported cotton port pick - up price index under sliding - scale duty and 1% tariff increased week - on - week. The price difference between the C32S yarn price index and the port pick - up price increased week - on - week [58]. - On Tuesday of this week, on the futures market, the price difference between the main Zhengzhou yarn futures contract and the main Zhengzhou cotton futures contract widened week - on - week, and the immediate theoretical processing profit of 32 - count pure - cotton yarn showed a wider loss week - on - week [61].

Report Information - Report Title: "Zhengzhou Cotton: Bullish Factors Exhausted, Continued Rise Losing Momentum" [1][6][21] - Research Team: Hongye Futures Agricultural Products Research Team [3] - Date: November 7, 2025 [3] - Analyst: Wang Xiaobei [3] Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the report. Core Viewpoints - The impact of Xinjiang seed - cotton procurement on Zhengzhou cotton prices is gradually weakening as the procurement nears completion. The positive news from Sino - US trade has been priced in, and downstream demand is weakening marginally, with mainly rigid - demand restocking. In the short term, Zhengzhou cotton lacks the impetus for a continued rise. With the large - scale listing of new cotton, there may be hedging pressure to some extent. Key factors to monitor are the macro - environment, demand, and policies [4]. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 1. Cotton Production and Price - As of October 30, the national new cotton picking progress was 87.1%, 1.9 percentage points higher than the same period last year; the national delivery rate was 90.4%, 3.5 percentage points higher; the national new cotton processing rate was 39.9%, 0.5 percentage points higher; and the national new cotton sales rate was 14.2%, 9.3 percentage points higher [4]. - As of November 4, 2025, the national new cotton inspection volume was 2.0819 million tons, still up 34.24% year - on - year, although the year - on - year growth rate had declined significantly compared to the previous period [4]. - Recently, the seed - cotton purchase price has generally remained stable, with some regional differences. In northern Xinjiang, the mainstream purchase price is stable at 6.2 - 6.3 yuan per kilogram due to reduced resources; in southern Xinjiang, the mainstream price of high - lint, low - moisture and impurity seed cotton is maintained at 6.40 - 6.50 yuan per kilogram [4]. 2. Sino - US Trade Policy Impact - In late October and early November, the US and China adjusted tariffs. The US cancelled the 10% "fentanyl" tariff on Chinese goods and suspended the so - called 24% reciprocal tariff on Chinese goods for one year. China continued to suspend the implementation of the 24% additional tariff on US goods for one year, retained the 10% additional tariff, and stopped implementing the relevant tariff announcement on imported US cotton (15%). The most direct impact of the mutual tariff reduction may be reflected in exports, stabilizing market expectations, and enhancing business confidence, but it is difficult to see a significant increase in export orders in the short term [5]. 3. Cotton Price Index and Market Price Movements - From October 30 to November 6, the price of the active contract of Zhengzhou cotton rose from 13,600 yuan/ton to 13,605 yuan/ton, an increase of 5 yuan/ton; the price of the active contract of ICE cotton fell from 65.09 cents/pound to 64.48 cents/pound, a decrease of 0.61 cents/pound [7]. - The Cotlook A price index decreased from 77.4 cents/pound on October 30 to 0 (a decrease of 77.40 cents/pound) on November 6; the price of Indian S - 6 remained unchanged at 53,000 rupees/candy from October 30 to November 6 [9]. - The port pick - up prices of imported cotton yarn from India, Vietnam, and Indonesia all increased slightly from October 30 to November 6. For example, the price of Indian C32S increased by 20 yuan/ton, Vietnam C32S by 30 yuan/ton, and Indonesia C32S by 30 yuan/ton [10]. - The arrival prices of imported cotton from the US and Brazil decreased from October 30 to November 6. For example, the 1% tariff price of US EMOT M decreased by 141 yuan/ton, and the 1% tariff price of Brazilian cotton decreased by 192 yuan/ton [11]. 4. US Cotton Situation - As of the week ending September 18, the weekly signing volume of 2025/26 US upland cotton was 19,500 tons, a 54% decrease from the previous week, a 53% decrease from the four - week average, and a 19% decrease from the same period last year. The US government shutdown led to the suspension of new data release by the USDA [20]. 5. Domestic Cotton Inventory and Sales - As of November 5, 2024, the cotton inspection volume in the 2025/26 season was about 2.1578 million tons, a year - on - year increase of about 31.82% [36]. - As of this Thursday, the total of Zhengzhou cotton warehouse receipts and valid forecasts was 4,281 sheets; the total of Zhengzhou yarn warehouse receipts and valid forecasts was 18 sheets [59]. 6. Downstream Market Conditions - The downstream raw material inventory of yarn mills (cotton) and fabric mills (cotton yarn) is presented in relevant charts, but specific data is not explicitly described in the text [40]. - The downstream start - up load and finished - product inventory situation is presented in relevant charts, but specific data is not explicitly described in the text [43]. 7. Price Difference and Profit Situation - As of this Thursday, the 328 cotton spot price index was 20,520 yuan/ton, a week - on - week increase of 45 yuan/ton; the closing price of the main contract of Zhengzhou cotton was 19,870 yuan/ton, a week - on - week decrease of 25 yuan/ton; the basis between them was 650 yuan/ton, a week - on - week expansion of 70 yuan/ton. The C32S yarn price index was 14,820 yuan/ton, a week - on - week increase of 40 yuan/ton; the closing price of the main contract of Zhengzhou yarn was 13,605 yuan/ton, a week - on - week increase of 10 yuan/ton; the basis between them was 1,215 yuan/ton, a week - on - week expansion of 50 yuan/ton [48]. - As of this Thursday, the price difference between the domestic 328 cotton price index and the imported cotton port pick - up price index under the sliding - scale tariff was - 616 yuan/ton, a week - on - week increase of 26 yuan/ton; the price difference with the 1% tariff was 724 yuan/ton, a week - on - week increase of 83 yuan/ton. The price difference between the C32S cotton yarn price index and the port pick - up price was 1,624 yuan/ton, a week - on - week increase of 149 yuan/ton [50]. - As of this Thursday, on the futures market, the price difference between the main contract of Zhengzhou yarn and the main contract of Zhengzhou cotton was 6,265 yuan/ton, a week - on - week expansion of - 1,486 yuan/ton; the immediate theoretical processing profit of 32 - count pure - cotton yarn was - 30 yuan/ton, and the loss margin expanded by 70 yuan/ton week - on - week [52].

Report Investment Rating - No investment rating information is provided in the report. Core View - In the short term, the upward space for cotton prices is limited, and they will fluctuate within a narrow range. New cotton harvest is at its peak, increasing hedging pressure. The textile industry's peak season is lackluster, with limited downstream demand orders. Domestic commercial inventories are at a historical low, cushioning price drops. Although costs have recovered, textile enterprises are still generally operating at a loss. The basis has slightly declined, and spot prices are firm. The rising seed cotton purchase price, increased processing costs, and adjusted production expectations support cotton prices, but the weak recovery of downstream demand restricts price increases [3]. Section Summaries 01 Market Review - **US Cotton Weekly Review**: US cotton fluctuated weakly, trading around 65 cents/pound. As of September 26, non - commercial long positions decreased by 751 to 69,367 contracts, non - commercial short net positions increased by 2,020 to 114,787 contracts, and non - commercial net positions decreased by 2,771 to - 45,420 contracts [9]. - **Zhengzhou Cotton Weekly Review**: Zhengzhou cotton rose under pressure, trading at 13,350 - 13,610 yuan/ton, with a Friday closing price of 13,540 yuan/ton, a weekly increase of 205 yuan or 1.54%. As of October 24, the registered and forecasted cotton warehouse receipts totaled 3,188 contracts, equivalent to 133,896 tons [10]. - **Cotton Textile Spot Weekly Data**: Spot prices were generally stable, but trading was light. The seed cotton purchase price has been rising since the start of the season, and the current price is 6.3 - 6.5 yuan/kg, providing some support for cotton prices. The overall spot basis has narrowed, and many cotton merchants have lowered their spot sales basis [12][14]. 02 Domestic Cotton Market - **Supply**: The China Cotton Association predicts that the 2025/26 cotton production will reach 721.6 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 8.3%. Xinjiang's output is expected to be 6.911 billion tons, a 9.2% increase, accounting for 95.8% of the national total. New cotton listing is slower than in previous years. In September 2025, China imported 95,000 tons of cotton, with Australia and Brazil being the main sources [17][25]. - **Demand**: Demand is weaker than in previous years. Domestic demand has no obvious positive factors, while exports have slightly improved. Weaving mills'开机率 has declined after the holiday, and they are purchasing raw materials on a wait - and - see basis [27][33]. - **Profit**: This week, the processing profit of ginning mills was 409 - 519 yuan/ton, and the immediate profit of spinning mills was - 950.8 - - 835.3 yuan/ton, showing a decline compared to last week [36]. - **Inventory**: As of the week of October 24, the national commercial cotton inventory was 1.4334 million tons, a weekly increase of 278,000 tons but 202,800 tons lower than last year. At the end of September, the industrial inventory of cotton textile enterprises was 845,500 tons, a decrease of 46,800 tons from the previous month [42]. 03 International Market - **Global Cotton Supply and Demand**: According to the USDA's September forecast, global cotton production in September was 25.62 million tons, a month - on - month increase of 230,000 tons. China's production increased by 218,000 tons to 7.076 million tons. Total consumption increased by 184,000 tons to 25.68 million tons, and the ending inventory decreased by 168,000 tons to 15.92 million tons [44]. - **US Cotton Export**: Due to the US government shutdown, most USDA reports have stopped being released [47]. - **US Cotton Growth Status**: The report does not provide detailed information on US cotton growth status.

Report Summary 1. Investment Rating - No investment rating for the industry is provided in the report. 2. Core View - In the domestic market, the supply side shows that in mid - October 2025, the new cotton picking and selling progress in Xinjiang is faster than last year, but recent cold and snowy weather will slow down the picking. The new cotton price is around 6.2 yuan/kg, and the cost is still supported. The demand side indicates that the spinning mills' operating rate is low, and the peak season is weak, so the restocking enthusiasm is expected to be low. Overall, the large - scale acquisition and processing of new - season cotton bring significant hedging demand, with upward pressure and cost - based support below. Short - term cotton prices are expected to fluctuate [2]. 3. Summary by Directory 3.1 Futures Market - Zhengzhou cotton main contract closed at 13,575 yuan/ton, up 40 yuan; cotton yarn main contract closed at 19,820 yuan/ton, up 60 yuan. - Cotton futures' top 20 net positions were - 117,362 lots, down 10,259 lots; cotton yarn futures' top 20 net positions were - 139 lots, down 59 lots. - Cotton main contract positions were 599,556 lots, up 6,744 lots; cotton yarn main contract positions were 23,684 lots, up 449 lots. - Cotton warehouse receipts were 2,526 lots, down 39 lots; cotton yarn warehouse receipts were 6 lots, unchanged [2]. 3.2 Spot Market - China's cotton price index (CCIndex:3128B) was 14,784 yuan/ton, up 12 yuan; China's imported cotton price index (FCIndexM:1% tariff) was 13,106 yuan/ton, up 54 yuan. - China's yarn price index for pure - cotton carded 32 - count yarn was 20,500 yuan/ton, unchanged; the arrival price of imported pure - cotton carded 32 - count yarn was 21,213 yuan/ton, up 13 yuan [2]. 3.3 Upstream Situation - The national cotton sowing area was 2,838.3 thousand hectares, up 48.3 thousand hectares; the national cotton output was 6.16 million tons, up 540,000 tons. - The cotton - yarn price difference was 5,716 yuan/ton, down 12 yuan; the national industrial cotton inventory was 861,000 tons, down 9,000 tons [2]. 3.4 Industry Situation - Cotton imports were 100,000 tons, up 30,000 tons; cotton yarn imports were 130,000 tons, unchanged. - The profit from imported cotton was 733 yuan/ton, up 12 yuan; the national commercial cotton inventory was 1.0217 million tons, down 460,000 tons [2]. 3.5 Downstream Situation - The yarn inventory days were 26.58 days, down 0.65 days; the grey fabric inventory days were 33.87 days, down 1.31 days. - The monthly cloth output was 2.701 billion meters, up 0.01 billion meters; the monthly yarn output was 2.0279 million tons, up 36,400 tons. - The monthly export value of clothing and clothing accessories was 14,145,904,000 US dollars, down 1,015,855,000 US dollars; the monthly export value of textile yarns, fabrics and products was 12,393,202,000 US dollars, up 789,193,000 US dollars [2]. 3.6 Option Market - The implied volatility of cotton at - the - money call options was 8.07%, down 1.26%; the implied volatility of cotton at - the - money put options was 8.07%, down 1.22%. - The 20 - day historical volatility of cotton was 8.57%, down 0.02%; the 60 - day historical volatility of cotton was 7.98%, down 0.03% [2]. 3.7 Industry News - As of October 21, 2025, the cumulative notarized inspection of cotton in the 2025/26 season was 4,331,712 bales, totaling 978,606 tons, a year - on - year increase of 84.07%. The cumulative notarized inspection of Xinjiang cotton was 961,248 tons, a year - on - year increase of 85.69%. - ICE cotton futures fell on Wednesday due to the ongoing US government shutdown, which delayed the release of USDA reports and left the market without clear trading guidance. The December ICE cotton futures contract closed down 0.68 cents, or 1.06%, at 63.74 cents per pound [2].

Group 1: Report Overview - Report industry: Cotton [1] - Report date: October 10, 2025 [2] - Report title: New cotton listing stage, under pressure [5] Group 2: Core Viewpoints - Fundamental aspects: The Fed cut interest rates by 25 basis points on September 17, meeting market expectations, and China-US leaders' phone call promoted trade negotiations. In the domestic market, the CPI in August decreased by 0.4% year-on-year, industrial added value increased by 5.2% year-on-year with a slight month-on-month decline, and the year-on-year growth rate of total retail sales of consumer goods continued to slow down to 3.4%. The USDA September report was bearish, with no adjustment in the US and a slight increase in the inventory-to-sales ratio outside China. On the supply side, the expectation of a bumper harvest is clear, and the listing period is earlier than usual. The opening price of machine-picked seed cotton was in line with market expectations and then declined slightly. The commercial cotton inventory is rapidly decreasing, and the end-of-September inventory is expected to be 80-90 million tons, the lowest in recent years. In August 2025, cotton imports increased slightly month-on-month, and the cumulative imports in the 2024/25 season were 105 million tons, a 68% year-on-year decrease. On the demand side, the profit situation of textile enterprises has improved, but there is still a shortage of downstream orders. The operating rate of textile enterprises first increased and then decreased, and the finished product inventory continued to decline. Domestic consumption in August was okay, but the cumulative year-on-year increase continued to narrow. Overseas market consumption has recovered, but China's export situation remains weak [7][55]. - Viewpoint: October is the peak period for Xinjiang cotton listing and processing. Attention should be paid to the processing and circulation of new cotton and the inventory accumulation speed. Under the pressure of a bumper harvest this year and hedging during the listing period, the trend will still be weak. Due to more pre-hedging this year, the pressure has been advanced, and the overall decline in October may narrow. Pay attention to the support performance of the integer关口 of the main contract. In the far month, pay attention to the demand performance and macro policy changes [7][55]. - Strategy: Short on rallies, sell call options, and converge the internal and external price difference [7][55]. - Important variables: Reserve policy; tariff changes; listing progress [7][55]. Group 3: Market Review - ICE cotton: In September, the main contract of ICE cotton continued to fluctuate in a wide range, with the trading center moving down, and the monthly decline was 1.6%. The USDA September supply and demand balance sheet made no adjustments in the US, and the inventory-to-sales ratio outside China increased slightly. The report was slightly bearish. The Fed's interest rate cut of 25 basis points met market expectations, and the macro boost was relatively limited. The net long position of CFTC funds remained low, and the capital driving willingness was low [9]. - Zhengzhou cotton: In September, Zhengzhou cotton changed from rising to falling, with a monthly decline of 7.2%. In September, the new cotton listing period began. The accumulated temperature in the main producing areas was good during the growth stage. The market generally expected the new cotton supply this year to be 7.3-7.5 million tons, with a clear expectation of a bumper harvest and an earlier listing period. Coupled with more pre-hedging pressure than in previous years, Zhengzhou cotton was mainly under pressure in September [11]. Group 4: Global Cotton Supply and Demand - USDA September report adjustments: The report was overall bearish. In the US, the output was increased by 0.2 million tons to 2.878 million tons, and the ending inventory remained unchanged. In India, the beginning inventory was increased by 2.6 million tons to 2.171 million tons, the output was increased by 10.9 million tons to 5.225 million tons, the imports were decreased by 2.2 million tons to 0.61 million tons, the exports were increased by 6.5 million tons to 0.283 million tons, and the ending inventory was increased by 4.8 million tons to 2.28 million tons. In China, the beginning inventory was decreased by 20.7 million tons to 7.585 million tons, the output was increased by 21.8 million tons to 7.076 million tons, the imports were decreased by 2.2 million tons to 1.132 million tons, the consumption was increased by 21.8 million tons to 8.382 million tons, and the ending inventory was decreased by 22.9 million tons to 7.396 million tons. In Brazil, there was no adjustment. Overall, the global cotton output was increased by 23.1 million tons to 25.621 million tons, the trade volume was increased by 5.2 million tons to 19.031 million tons, the consumption was increased by 18.3 million tons to 25.872 million tons, the ending inventory was decreased by 16.8 million tons to 15.924 million tons, a 1.04% month-on-month decrease [14]. Group 5: Domestic Supply and Demand - New-year output forecast: In August 2025, the survey by the China Cotton Association showed that the national cotton planting area was 44.823 million mu, a 1.8% year-on-year increase. Due to better weather and proper water and fertilizer management by cotton farmers, the cotton growth was good. The total output in Xinjiang reached a new high, and the national expected total output was 7.216 million tons, an 8.3% year-on-year increase and a 321,000-ton increase from the previous period, the highest since 2013 [19]. - Cotton purchase and processing: In late September, seed cotton was gradually picked and listed across the country. In Xinjiang, multiple rainfall and cooling affected the spraying effect of defoliants, and the large-scale machine-picking time was postponed. From September 22 to 28, the domestic spot and futures prices of lint cotton fluctuated and declined, and the purchase price of seed cotton also decreased. The price of hand-picked cotton in Xinjiang decreased from 7.3-7.6 yuan/kg at the beginning to 7.1-7.3 yuan/kg, and the price of machine-picked cotton decreased from 6.2-6.4 yuan/kg to 6.0-6.3 yuan/kg. Affected by the high moisture content of newly picked seed cotton, processing enterprises were generally cautious to ensure purchase quality and adjusted the purchase rhythm according to market changes. The purchase price of seed cotton in the inland was relatively stable, mostly between 7-7.5 yuan/kg. Recently, the picking speed has slowed down due to continuous rainfall and inability to dry [21]. - Inventory situation: In mid-September, the commercial cotton inventory was 1.1759 million tons, a decrease of 305,800 tons from the end of last month; the industrial cotton inventory was 862,100 tons, a decrease of 30,200 tons from the end of last month. The commercial cotton inventory continued to decline rapidly in September, and the end-of-September inventory is expected to be 800,000-900,000 tons, the lowest in recent years. The industrial cotton inventory level decreased slightly, and downstream enterprises mainly replenished inventory for rigid demand, currently at a neutral level in previous years. In September, the yarn inventory index was 26.43 days, a decrease of 2.28 days from last month; the grey fabric inventory index was 29.83 days, a decrease of 3.03 days from last month [25]. - Cotton import volume: In August 2025, the import volume was 70,000 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 80,000 tons and a month-on-month increase of 17,000 tons. From January to August 2025, the cumulative import volume was 590,000 tons, a 72.6% year-on-year decrease. From September 2024 to August 2025, the cumulative import volume was 1.05 million tons, a 68% year-on-year decrease [30]. - Textile enterprise processing: As of September 26, according to the statistics of the Cotton Textile Information Network, the cotton inventory of textile enterprises was 28.1 days, a decrease of 0.4 days from last week; the cotton yarn inventory of textile enterprises was 26.8 days, a decrease of 0.3 days from last week; the cotton yarn inventory of weaving factories was 8.2 days, an increase of 0.3 days from last week; the cotton grey fabric inventory was 30.7 days, a decrease of 0.1 days from last week. As of September 26, the yarn load index in China was 50.3%, an increase of 0.2% from last week; the grey fabric load index in China was 52.5%, a decrease of 0.3% from last week. In September, due to the decline in cotton prices, the profit situation of textile enterprises improved, but the shortage of downstream orders still existed. Weaving factories postponed yarn procurement due to the expected decline in cotton prices, disrupting the peak season rhythm. The operating rate of textile enterprises first increased and then decreased in September, and the finished product inventory was in a downward trend [32][33]. - Textile demand: In August 2025, the retail sales of clothing, footwear, needles, and textiles were 104.5 billion yuan, a 3.1% year-on-year increase. From January to August 2025, the cumulative retail sales of clothing, footwear, needles, and textiles were 940 billion yuan, a 2.9% year-on-year increase. Among them, the clothing retail sales from January to August were 670.8 billion yuan, a 2.2% year-on-year increase. In August 2025, the textile and clothing export volume was 26.5 billion US dollars, a 5.1% year-on-year decrease. From January to August 2025, the cumulative textile and clothing export volume was 197.3 billion US dollars, a 0.3% year-on-year decrease. From the perspective of textile and clothing import data in the US, EU, and Japan, in June 2025, the cumulative textile and clothing imports in the EU were 970,000 tons, a 12.6% year-on-year increase; in July 2025, the textile and clothing imports in the US were 1.01 billion square meters, a 1.6% year-on-year increase; in August 2025, the textile and clothing imports in Japan were 210,000 tons, a 2.1% year-on-year decrease. Overall, domestic consumption performance was okay, but the cumulative year-on-year increase continued to narrow. External demand consumption recovered, and the US market's year-on-year imports continued to rise in July, but China's export situation remained weak [42].

Report Title and Period - The report is titled "Cotton Strategy Quarterly Report: Q4 2025" [2] Industry Investment Rating - No industry investment rating is provided in the report Core Viewpoints - The price of cotton is expected to decline first and then rise. In the international market, the fundamentals provide some support, but the driving force is limited, and macro - level factors may cause market sentiment to fluctuate. In the domestic market, there is short - term supply pressure during the cotton concentration listing period, but there are also positive factors, and the price of Zhengzhou cotton futures is expected to show a trend of first decline and then rise in the fourth quarter [11][12] Summary by Directory Supply - Globally in the 2025/26 season, cotton production is expected to be 25.622 million tons, a 1.3% year - on - year decrease. US cotton production is expected to be 2.879 million tons, a decrease of 259,000 tons or 8.2% year - on - year. China's cotton production is expected to be 7.076 million tons, but the domestic general expectation is between 7.2 - 7.5 million tons [6] - Affected by drought, the proportion of US cotton - growing areas is still high, and the excellent - good rate of US cotton is gradually decreasing. High - level drought - affected areas are increasing rapidly, and attention should be paid to subsequent weather disturbances [43][46] Demand - Globally in the 2025/26 season, cotton consumption is expected to be 25.873 million tons, a 0.3% year - on - year decrease [7] - In August, the monthly retail value of US clothing and clothing accessories was $27.183 billion, a 1% month - on - month increase and an 8.3% year - on - year increase [7][64] - In August, the retail sales of clothing, footwear, and textile products in China were 104.51 billion yuan, a 3.1% year - on - year increase, and the cumulative retail sales from January to August were 940.04 billion yuan, a 2.9% year - on - year increase [7][70] - As of the week of September 19, the comprehensive load of yarn was 50.06%, a 0.18 - percentage - point week - on - week increase; the load of pure - cotton yarn mills was 47.6%, a 0.1 - percentage - point week - on - week increase [7][72] - As of the week of September 19, the comprehensive load of staple - fiber cloth was 52.73%, a 2.31 - percentage - point week - on - week increase; the load of pure - cotton grey cloth was 50.42%, a 3.12 - percentage - point week - on - week increase [7][77] Import and Export - In August, China imported 70,000 tons of cotton, a month - on - month increase of 20,000 tons, and the cumulative imports from January to August decreased by 1.56 million tons year - on - year; imported 130,000 tons of cotton yarn, a month - on - month increase of 20,000 tons, and the cumulative imports from January to August decreased by 100,000 tons year - on - year [8] - In August, the monthly export value of clothing and clothing accessories was $14.146 billion, a 10.08% year - on - year decrease; the cumulative export from January to August was $10.2761 billion, a 1.7% year - on - year decrease [8][84] - In August, the monthly export value of Chinese textile yarns, fabrics, and related products was $12.393 billion, a 1.43% year - on - year increase; the cumulative export from January to August was $94.513 billion, a 1.6% year - on - year increase [8][81] Inventory - As of mid - September, China's commercial cotton inventory was 1.1759 million tons, a year - on - year decrease of about 700,000 tons; the industrial inventory was 862,100 tons, a year - on - year increase of about 45,000 tons [9] - As of the week of September 19, the comprehensive inventory of yarn was 26.32 days, a 0.38 - day week - on - week decrease; the comprehensive inventory of staple - fiber cloth was 29.28 days, a 0.94 - day week - on - week decrease [9][94] - As of the week of September 19, the cotton inventory of textile enterprises was 28.7 days, a 0.65 - day week - on - week decrease; the cotton yarn inventory of textile enterprises was 27.22 days, a 0.48 - day week - on - week decrease [9][96] - As of the week of September 19, the cotton yarn inventory of weaving factories was 7.78 days, a 0.26 - day week - on - week increase; the inventory of pure - cotton grey cloth was 31.18 days, a 1.4 - day week - on - week decrease [9][98] - The speed of cotton warehouse receipt liquidation has increased. As of September 25, 2025, the total number of cotton warehouse receipts and valid forecasts was 3,595, a decrease of 3,127 compared to August 28 [106] Option - The historical volatility of cotton is gradually decreasing, and the historical volatility cone is at a moderately low level [107]