Cotton prices in India, the world's second-largest producer, are likely to rise this week on buying by exporters though higher supplies in spot markets could limit the uptrend. Traders expect cotton exports from India to Southeast Asia to more than double in 2013, and that could compensate to some extent for a fall in demand from China, the world's largest consumer and traditionally the biggest buyer of the Indian fibre. "Supplies in spot markets are rising but prices are still rising due to b

The gross output value of 37,000 textile enterprises with annual turnover more than 20 million yuan or above has amounted to 5.7 trillion yuan in 2012, up 12 percent, according to information released by the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC). The total profit in the first eleven months achieved 246 billion yuan, and the annual profit growth rate is about 4 percent. Wang Tiankai, president of the CNTAC, said the main problem of textile industry is the big price gap of cotton at

Gujarat is likely to see a production of 85 lakh bales of cotton in 2012-13 crop years despite the drought conditions. The state would lead the country in the cotton output, predicts the Indian Cotton Federation. The data released by ICF predicts production of 325 lakh bales of cotton in the current crop year. Each bale is of 170 kilograms. Maharashtra is estimated to produce 80 lakh bales, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 68 lakh bales, and Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan that are likely to give

Brent crude oil prices rose to a four-month high this week end, with traders citing optimism about the global economic recovery, while Brent's premium over US oil futures widened to nearly US$1 a barrel in heavy spread trading. Brent's premium to West Texas Intermediate rose on expectations of swelling inventories at Cushing, Oklahoma, the delivery point for US oil futures. The spread had narrowed with the start up of the expanded Cushing-to-Texas Seaway pipeline, which had been expected to draw

The entire polyester chain was range bound in Asian markets with upstream ethylene prices remaining almost flat amid thin trading activity and rising feedstock costs. In Europe, ethylene contract price for February was fully settled rolling over for the third consecutive month while US spot ethylene slid as a steam cracker restart and a slowdown in downstream demand appeared to exert downward pressure on prices. Paraxylene prices in Asia were assessed higher influenced by the higher Asian contra

Benzene prices fell further in Asia as more sellers emerged in the spot market to offer March and April cargoes. US spot benzene prices also fell after a deal was heard done at lower level. European benzene market remained light in the wake of the February contract price settlement. Spot benzene barges were assessed slightly lower on the week. Caprolactum markets inched up ahead of the coming holidays amid cautious enquiries and firm benzene numbers. Suppliers continued to raise offers and tra

Asian propylene prices rose for the sixth successive week as players took positions in anticipation of tight supply in March. European February propylene contract price was fully settled up from January while US spot propylene prices rose marginally as producers nominated steep increases for February contracts. In Latin America, February propylene contracts are poised to gain, pressured higher by the increase in the February NWE contract as well as US contract. Asian acrylonitrile markets firm

Asian viscose staple prices remained flat on the week as the Chinese Lunar New Year approached and cotton spinning mills there will be offline and viscose producers will stop delivery. Most viscose producers were carrying out their previous orders, and some customers replenished materials at lower prices expecting prices to go up post holidays in China. Viscose filament markets changed marginally on cost support and downstream buyers picking up volumes, although in smaller size, for stocking b

an cotton yarn markets were getting thinner as most spinning mills in China had shut for holiday while traders were also on leave. Sellers were reluctant to sell at low prices as spot prices were posted higher. 100% cotton yarn markets were already amid festival sentiment. Overall sentiment of cotton yarn was weak, and prices continued to roll over. Trading volume of pure cotton yarn 32s inched up. Spun polyester yarn prices remained unchanged amid weak demand. Hike in PSF continued to cast pres