Cotton markets were volatile throughout the first half of April but settled higher as both the old crop May and July contracts settled above previous fortnight. The new crop December contract settled at US cents 77.94 per pound, up US cent 0.28 on the fortnight. The near month May contract gained US cents 3.71 at US cents 85.54 per pound in similar comparison. Fundamentals remained the same as in the prior two months – with strong export sales and even stronger shipments, coupled with active on-call sales. However, uncertainty squeezed market activity as trading was fixated on impending tariffs in the US-China conversation. No new tariff restrictions were in force between China and the US and may be coming or contemplated over the next three months.

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