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Oxford to Shine With Art and Craft, Jan. 22–24Organized by All Y'all Fiber, this event is a must-see for anyone passionate about textiles, yarn, and the art of making. Set against the backdrop of the charming Powerhouse Community Arts Center, the festival is poised to offer a vibrant mix of workshops, live demonstrations, and a bustling maker market, providing a fantastic experience for fiber arts enthusiasts.The Oxford Fiber Festival is the perfect event for those who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship behind weaving, spinning, dyeing, and other fabric-based crafts. This year's festival promises to be a comprehensive celebration of textile arts, offering a diverse range of activities and learning experiences for both newcomers and seasoned artisans.The event promises to inspire visitors with its series of hands-on workshops, where participants can immerse themselves in the art of making. These workshops will cover a variety of textile crafts, from mastering the art of weaving to exploring the intricate process of yarn dyeing, providing attendees with the opportunity to develop new skills and refine their techniques. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced crafter, there's something to gain from these interactive learning experiences.In addition to the workshops, a series of live demonstrations will be held throughout the festival, offering visitors an up-close look at the textile production process. These demonstrations will showcase how raw materials are transformed into beautiful works of art and will be led by local and regional artisans. By watching experts at work, attendees will gain valuable insights into the craftsmanship behind every thread, fabric, and textile product. This offers a rare opportunity to witness the intricate work involved in textile making and the stories behind the materials used.At the heart of the Oxford Fibre Festival is the in-person market, open from 9 am to 5 pm on both Friday, January 23rd and Saturday, January 24th. This market is set to showcase a diverse collection of handcrafted goods and fibre-related products. Visitors will have the chance to purchase high-quality hand-dyed yarns, unique bags, quilting supplies, and other artisanal products, many of which will be exclusively available at the festival. This vibrant market will be a fantastic opportunity for visitors to discover unique items that showcase the creativity and skill of local and regional makers. It's also a chance to support the community of artisans and creators who work tirelessly to keep their crafts alive. Whether you're looking for a special gift, a new addition to your collection, or supplies for your own projects, the Oxford Fibre Festival market will have something for everyone.Adding to the excitement, a Market Crawl will be an interactive activity throughout the festival. Participants will have the chance to visit different market booths and collect stamps, with the opportunity to win exciting prizes upon completing the crawl. This fun activity encourages visitors to explore the entire market and discover all the wonderful products on offer. It's a great way to engage with the festival and connect with the vendors.On Saturday, guests can also look forward to the Meet Our Makers sessions, where they will have the opportunity to interact with the talented artisans behind the creations. These scheduled meet-and-greet sessions allow visitors to learn about the artists' processes, hear their stories, and gain inspiration for their own creative endeavors. Whether you're a new maker or an experienced artisan, this is an invaluable opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals and gain insights into the world of textile arts.Join a Community of Creative MindsThe Oxford Fibre Festival is more than just shopping and learning – it's about building a community of makers and textile enthusiasts. This event fosters a spirit of collaboration and connection, where visitors can meet, share ideas, and inspire one another. For those passionate about fiber arts, the festival is a place to come together, celebrate creativity, and learn from each other.The festival's relaxed and welcoming atmosphere will make it easy for attendees to connect with fellow fiber enthusiasts and exchange ideas. Whether you're a long-time expert in the field or just beginning to explore the world of textiles, there's a place for you to connect with others who share your passion.Attendees can expect to leave the festival feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to delve even deeper into the world of textile arts. Whether you discover a new crafting technique, a beautiful handmade item, or a connection with a fellow maker, the Oxford Fibre Festival promises to leave a lasting impression.READ MORE :- Brazil cotton prices slide in 2025 as exports absorb surplus

Brazil Cotton Prices Slide on Export SurplusBrazil's cotton market faced sharp price pressure in 2025 as record output, weak domestic consumption and global headwinds weighed on values.Domestic prices fell nearly 17 per cent over the year, despite early gains.Strong exports helped absorb surplus supply, lifting Brazil's share of global trade to 31 per cent and reinforcing its position as the world's leading cotton exporter. Brazil’s cotton market endured a challenging 2025, with domestic prices under sustained pressure from record supply, subdued consumption and softer international markets, even as exports played a critical role in absorbing excess volumes, as per the Centre for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA).The CEPEA/ESALQ Index dropped 16.89 per cent over the year, closing at BRL 3.4862 (~$0.64) per pound on December 26, 2025. Export parity declined 16.6 per cent over the same period. In contrast, the Cotlook A Index eased by 6.68 per cent to $0.74 per pound, while the US dollar weakened 10.29 per cent against the Brazilian real to BRL 5.544.Prices firmed during the first five months of 2025, peaking in May, supported by tight seller behaviour in the off-season, higher international benchmarks and gains in the Cotlook A Index. From June onwards, values fell more sharply as global prices softened, the exchange rate moved lower, remaining 2023-24 stocks were sold and a record 2024-25 harvest approached. High availability and cash-flow needs accelerated the decline in the second half, CEPEA said in its latest fortnightly report on the Brazilian cotton market.Demand from buyers remained cautious amid weak consumption of manufactured products and comfortable industrial supply through term contracts. By November, trading activity increased for early 2026 and the next season, highlighting the growing importance of the term market.Exports provided a key cushion. Brazilian cotton shipments reached a record 2.835 million tons in the 2024-25 season, up 6 per cent year on year. Between January and December 2025, exports totalled 2.89 million tons, 4.2 per cent higher than in 2024, with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, India and Indonesia as the main destinations. Average export prices fell 12.4 per cent to $0.7381 per pound.According to National Supply Company (CONAB), Brazil’s 2024-25 cotton output is estimated at 4.076 million tons, up 10.13 per cent, supported by higher planted area and productivity. Ending stocks in December 2025 are projected to rise 17.05 per cent year on year.Globally, the USDA estimates 2024-25 cotton supply at 25.97 million tons, the highest since 2017-18. Brazil accounted for 31 per cent of global cotton trade, overtaking the US as the largest exporter.READ MORE :-The rupee opened 2 paise lower against the dollar at 89.98.

The rupee opened 2 paise lower at 89.98/USD.The domestic currency opened at 89.98 against the US dollar, compared to its previous closing of 89.96 against the dollar.READ MORE :- The rupee closed 03 paise lower against the dollar at 89.96.

On thursday, the Indian rupee closed at 89.96 against the dollar, compared to its opening rate of 89.93.At close, the Sensex was down 32 points or 0.04 percent at 85,188.60, and the Nifty was up 16.95 points or 0.06 percent at 26,146.55. About 2113 shares advanced, 1872 shares declined, and 159 shares unchanged.

Maharastra : Duty-free cotton import ends, 1 1% taxes payable from today*Nagpur* : The window for duty-free cotton imports expired on Wednesday, with no govt notification regarding an extension. As a result, an 11% duty will apply to cotton imports from January 1, unless a fresh order is issued.While textile players reported rising prices for processed cotton (lint), farmers in Vidarbha continued to sell raw cotton below the minimum support price (MSP). Market rates ranged from 7,500 to 7,700 per quintal, compared with the MSP of 8,110, say market sources.Sources added that while trade and industry lobbied to maintain the duty exemption for at least a quarter, farmers' associations submitted representations supporting the duty. While exemption allowed cheaper imports for textile companies, it pushed down raw cotton prices for farmers.In August, following tariff tensions with the US, India removed 11% import duty on cotton. According to US-based International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), India imported 36 lakh bales of cotton until mid-September. Brazil accounted for largest share at 23%, followed by US at 20% and Australia at 19%.Absence of further duty-free orders has left the textile industry concerned. Reimposing duty has reduced raw cotton prices for farmers to as low as 6,700 per quintal. This season, farmers relied on MSP procurement by Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), which purchased 61.5 lakh bales by December 30. Registration deadline for farmers to sell at MSP was extended to January 16 from original date of Dec 31."Domestic cotton rates reached 58,500 per bale, and imports have become costlier by 4,000 due to tariff war, affecting global competitiveness," said Prashant Mohta, MD of Gima Tex Industries, a textile unit in Vidarbha.READ MORE :- The Organic Cotton Imperative: Traceability & Trust

Organic Cotton: Traceability & TrustThe global organic cotton market is expanding rapidly. Valued at $1.1 billion in 2023, it is projected to reach $25 billion by 2032 (Fortune Business Insights).1 As demand for transparency accelerates and more farmers shift to organic practices, one thing is clear: credible, traceable evidence is now essential for success in the modern textile supply chain.Ensuring Organic IntegrityOrganic cotton delivers major environmental benefits—reduced water and energy use, and minimal toxic chemicals. But the transition is demanding and requires new skills, resources, and long-term brand support. CottonConnect helps in this shift, safeguarding integrity from seed to shelf through:Farmer Empowerment: Training in organic farm management, soil fertility, and natural pest control.Robust Assurance: A verification framework that strives to uphold the highest organic standards. In 2023–24, our programmes achieved 99% organic cotton integrity (Impact Report 2024).2Digital Traceability with TraceBaleOnce farm-level integrity is assured, traceability becomes crucial to maintain it and provides support in substantiating brand claims. TraceBale, our digital tool, creates resilient supply chains with verifiable, bottom-up sourcing data through: Unique farmer QR codesMEL App capturing farm-level production dataGIS farm mapping for precise location trackingTraceBale delivers visibility from farm group to finished product, giving brands reliable, actionable insights to support sustainability claims.The DNA Marker AdvantageTo strengthen assurance further, we partner with Haelixa to integrate physical DNA markers into fiber, providing scientific evidence of origin.By integrating digital traceability, physical markers, and transparent data management, CottonConnect connects farmers with global brands—helping make organic cotton a viable, profitable business model, not just an environmental commitment.“Traceability is important to achieving regulatory compliance, but it also forms the bedrock of responsible business. It helps ensure every stage of the supply chain is understood, allowing issues to be addressed head-on.”READ MORE :-  The rupee opened 6 paise lower against the dollar at 89.93.

The rupee opened 6 paise lower at 89.93/USD.The Sensex was up 186.17 points or 0.22 percent at 85,406.77 and the Nifty was up 64.95 points or 0.25 percent at 26,194.55. Approximately 1284 shares advanced, 728 declined, and 151 remained unchanged.READ MORE :- The rupee opened 9 paise higher at 89.87/USD.

On Wednesday, the Indian rupee closed at 89.87 against the dollar, the same level at which it had opened in the morning.Finally, the Sensex was up 545.52 points or 0.64 percent at 85,220.60, and the Nifty was up 190.75 points or 0.74 percent at 26,129.60. Approximately 2555 shares advanced, 1330 declined, and 123 remained unchanged.Read More :- The rupee opened 9 paise higher at 89.87/USD.

The rupee opened 9 paise higher against the dollar at 89.87.The Indian rupee opened at 89.87 against the dollar on Wednesday, compared to its closing rate of 89.78 on Tuesday.READ MORE :- The rupee closed 15 paise higher at 89.78 against the dollar.

On Wednesday, the Indian rupee closed 15 paise higher at 89.78 against the dollar, after opening at 89.93.At close, the Sensex was down 20.46 points or 0.02 percent at 84,675.08, and the Nifty was down 3.25 points or 0.01 percent at 25,938.85. About 1718 shares advanced, 2113 shares declined, and 137 shares unchanged.read more :- Cotton supply tightens as Indian govt procures 38 lakh bales at MSP

Cotton Supply Tightens as India Buys 38 Lakh Bales at MSPThe Cotton Corporation of India's MSP-led procurement has absorbed 38.7 lakh cotton bales, tightening open-market supply despite weak yarn, fabric and garment demand.With stocks locked in warehouses, cotton prices remain elevated, squeezing spinning margins.Industry is seeking phased CCI stock releases aligned with demand to rebalance the value chain, especially in key producing states.The Indian government has procured 230.23 lakh quintals of seed cotton (kapas) until December 19, according to procurement figures released by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI). This translates into 38.70 lakh bales of 170 kg cotton procured over the first 80 days of the 2025–26 marketing season, which began on October 1. CCI has been purchasing cotton at the minimum support price (MSP), which is currently higher than prevailing market prices. As a result, the domestic market is facing elevated cotton prices amid CCI’s procurement and subdued demand from downstream industries.CCI’s aggressive procurement in the ongoing 2025–26 season is creating a paradox for the downstream textile industry. While MSP-backed buying has supported farm-gate prices, the large volume of cotton moving into CCI warehouses has reduced free-market availability, even as demand for cotton yarn, fabrics and garments remains weak.According to CCI procurement figures received by the domestic industry, the corporation had procured 230.23 lakh quintals of kapas as of December 19, 2025. At an average lint recovery of 35 per cent, this translates into roughly 38.70 lakh bales. This quantity has effectively been withdrawn from open circulation, tightening near-term availability for spinners and ginners.Industry sources point out that the timing of this withdrawal of cotton from the open market is critical. Yarn offtake remains sluggish, fabric inventories are comfortable, and garment demand (both domestic and export-led) continues to be cautious. In such a demand environment, higher cotton prices driven by restricted availability are exerting pressure on spinning margins rather than supporting value-chain recovery.The impact is most visible in central and southern India, where procurement has been concentrated. Telangana and Maharashtra together account for more than 60 per cent of total CCI purchases so far, leaving mills in these regions increasingly dependent on warehouse-linked cotton rather than spot-market supplies.Spinners maintain that while MSP procurement is necessary in distress years, large front-loaded buying without a clearly defined liquidation roadmap risks creating artificial tightness. With cotton locked in warehouses, prices fail to reflect downstream demand realities, widening the gap between raw material costs and finished goods realisations.Industry stakeholders are therefore urging a phased and transparent release of CCI stocks, aligned with yarn and fabric demand cycles, to restore balance across the value chain and prevent prolonged stress on mill economics.Read more :- Tamil Nadu : Yarn price rises after open-end mills stopped production.