India’s cotton imports to more than double, touch 33 lakh bales in 2024-25: CAI

India’s cotton imports for the 2024-25 season ending September are projected to more than double to 33 lakh bales of 170 kg each, up from 15.20 lakh bales last year, says the Cotton Association of India (CAI). The trade body raised its import estimate from earlier 30 lakh bales on account of falling domestic production. As of March-end, about 25 lakh bales had already landed in Indian ports.

CAI has lowered its domestic crop estimate by 4 lakh bales to 291.30 lakh bales, mainly due to a 5-lakh-bale drop in Maharashtra’s output. However, Telangana’s output has risen by 1 lakh bales. Despite the production decline, cotton consumption remains unchanged at 315 lakh bales, with 170 lakh bales already consumed by March-end.

Total supply till March, including imports and opening stocks, is estimated at 306.83 lakh bales. Exports for the full season are projected at 16 lakh bales, significantly lower than last year’s 28.36 lakh bales. Closing stock for the season is estimated at 23.49 lakh bales, down from 30.19 lakh bales the previous year. Stocks held by mills and agencies at March-end stood at 127.83 lakh bales.