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
Distillers dried grains (DDG) values follow corn and soybean meal trends, with ethanol grind and feed demand shaping costs into early 2026.
November 07, 2025 10:45 AM
·
Recognizing phosphorus and potash as critical minerals underscores their importance in crop production and food security, providing producers with an added layer of risk protection.
November 06, 2025 03:40 PM
·
While the U.S.-China framework for soybean trade is in place, Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs tells us he will believe it when he sees it.
November 06, 2025 11:38 AM
·
Global nitrogen and phosphate prices remain high despite improved supply fundamentals, with limited Chinese exports and stronger fall applications tightening availability.
November 06, 2025 11:16 AM
·
Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.
November 06, 2025 10:53 AM
·
The Court may limit emergency tariff powers, complicating a key bargaining tool; ag could see shifts in input costs and export dynamics as China, Brazil, and India talks evolve.
November 06, 2025 10:04 AM
·
