Cotton futures eased toward 65 cents per pound, heading for a 1.9% weekly loss as demand concerns weighed on the market following the US decision to impose a 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods effective August 27. The move, linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil, raises duties on Indian garments to 50% above the standard MFN rate, likely curbing textile exports to the US and dampening downstream demand for raw cotton. To support its domestic industry, India extended its duty-free cotton import window until December 31, 2025, ahead of the new marketing year beginning October 1. Additional pressure came from weaker oil prices, which make polyester a cheaper substitute for textile producers. On the trade front, USDA data showed weekly net sales of 179,300 running bales for 2025/26, with shipments of 112,700 bales largely destined for Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Mexico, and Turkey.