Calm Market due to Holidays 

Whereas the short decrease of the quotations on the futures market had stimulated the closure of several contracts during the previous week, prices for medium staple cotton returned to a firm tendency within the course of this week and recorded less distinct daily fluctuations. The development of the New York cotton futures for near trading months was supported by some occasionally occurring economic data that might influence the U.S. stocks up to the beginning of the new crop. The difference between prices for the old and the new U.S. crop remained clearly about ten cents.

Prices for common varieties at prompt delivery from the origin as well as from the stock remained continuously stable on a high level. The firm prices and the short week because of Easter as well as some company holidays contributed to the fact that only few contracts were closed. Inquiries for small amounts and selected qualities at mostly near dates were registered, but in general, the textile industry's wait-and-see-attitude and the avoidance of long-term commitments remained.

The prices for long and extra-long staple cotton remained almost firm.

Contracts were concluded for:

• Medium Staple Cotton:

Central Asia and West Africa for prompt and the 2nd quarter 2014.

•Long- and Extra-Long Staple Cotton:

Spain-ELS, Sudan Barakat and Israel Acalpi for prompt delivery.