CAI Lowers 2024-25 Cotton Pressing Estimate To 291.30 Lakh Bales

The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has reduced its cotton pressing estimate for the 2024-25 season to 291.30 lakh bales of 170 kg each, down by 4 lakh bales from the previous estimate of 295.30 lakh bales. This revision is based on inputs from 11 state associations and trade sources.

The total cotton supply till the end of March 2025 is estimated at 306.83 lakh bales, comprising 251.64 lakh bales from pressing, 25 lakh bales of imports, and an opening stock of 30.19 lakh bales. Cotton consumption during the same period is pegged at 170 lakh bales, with exports at 9 lakh bales. The closing stock as of March 2025 stands at 127.83 lakh bales, including 27 lakh bales with textile mills and 100.83 lakh bales with CCI, traders, and others.

For the full 2024-25 season ending September 2025, total supply is now estimated at 354.49 lakh bales, down 1 lakh bales from the previous projection. Imports have been raised to 33 lakh bales—17.80 lakh bales higher than last year. Domestic consumption remains unchanged at 315 lakh bales, while exports are maintained at 16 lakh bales, significantly lower than the 28.36 lakh bales recorded in 2023-24.

The closing stock for the 2024-25 season is expected to fall to 23.49 lakh bales, down from 30.19 lakh bales in the previous season.

At its April 10 meeting, the CAI Crop Committee reported state-wise changes in pressing, with Maharashtra seeing the largest drop (-5 lakh bales), partially offset by increases in Telangana (+1 lakh) and Odisha (+0.5 lakh). The Committee will continue to monitor the figures and revise estimates if required.