Cotton on the decline: value of the boll retreats for the sixth consecutive month

The price of cotton lint has fallen for the sixth consecutive month and reached, in November, the lowest level since September 2009, in real terms. According to Cepea, the scenario reflects the combination of higher domestic supply, weak internal demand, and a drop in international prices. The Brazilian cotton sector is on alert. According to data from the CEPEA/ESALQ Indicator (payment in eight days), the average value of lint in November was R$ 3.4505 per pound-weight, a 1.91% decrease from October and a 12.5% decrease from November 2024. This is the lowest level recorded, in real terms, since September 2009, when the price was R$ 3.4089/lp, adjusted by the IGP-DI of October 2025. "Despite the excellent performance of exports, the downward pressure on prices remains intense, influenced by the high domestic availability and the retracted demand," explain Cepea researchers. Brazil harvested one of the largest crops in history in 2025, which considerably increased passing stocks. ...