India's cotton exports to plunge 36% in 2024-25 season: CAI

India's cotton exports are set to decline significantly in the 2024-25 season, beginning October 1. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) predicts a 36.53 per cent drop, limiting exports to 18 lakh bales due to reduced production.

The primary reason for the drop is substantial decrease in cotton acreage, particularly in the northern region (Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan) and Gujarat. Acreage reduction estimated at 35 per cent and 15 per cent respectively will stabilize domestic cotton prices, preventing them from soaring in line with global market trends. In the previous 2023-24 season, India exported 28.36 lakh bales of cotton. The total cotton pressing for that season is estimated at 302.25 lakh bales, down from 327.45 lakh bales in the preceding year.

As of November 2024, India's total cotton supply stands at 108.41 lakh bales, comprising 69.22 lakh bales from the current season's pressing, 9 lakh bales of imports, and an opening stock of 30.19 lakh bales.

Domestic consumption until November-end is estimated at 54 lakh bales, while exports during the same period reached 4 lakh bales. The remaining stock at the end of November is projected to be 50.41 lakh bales.