LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Cotton may be regaining a competitive advantage as rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions challenge polyester’s long-held price edge. Textile industry analyst Bob Antoshak says global events are shifting the economics of fiber markets.
Polyester has historically benefited from cheap energy, efficient shipping, and low-cost direct imports. But conflict in the Middle East is disrupting trade routes and raising costs for petrochemical-based materials tied to crude oil.
Polyester production depends heavily on petroleum-based inputs like naphtha, and tightening oil supplies are pushing costs higher. At the same time, the closure of the U.S. de minimis import loophole is increasing costs for low-priced fast-fashion imports, many of which rely heavily on synthetic fibers.
That shift may improve cotton’s outlook. USDA recently raised its projected average upland cotton price for the 2025/26 marketing year, while export sales and shipments have improved in recent weeks.
Cotton may not need to outperform polyester on price alone. Reliability, traceability, and sourcing security are becoming more important factors for buyers.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Cotton may gain demand as polyester costs rise.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Canadian tariffs would raise costs for potash, ammonia, and UAN, increasing spring fertilizer risk.
December 11, 2025 01:16 PM
·
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities breaks down the outlook on grain storage and domestic supply chain strength as producers weigh planting decisions with forthcoming federal aid.
December 11, 2025 01:11 PM
·
Experts say flooding the zone with more money could have unintented consequences without opening new markets for planted crops and inputs under significant pressure.
December 11, 2025 12:25 PM
·
Julie Callahan was nominated earlier this summer by President Donald Trump, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers she is ready to hit the ground running.
December 11, 2025 11:35 AM
·
Outdated reporting thresholds reduce cash-market visibility and increase the urgency of comprehensive Mandatory Price Reporting reform.
December 10, 2025 07:00 PM
·
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland shares the soybean sector outlook following the announcement of farm aid to offset losses for U.S. row crop growers.
December 10, 2025 11:33 AM
·
