CAI Raises 2024-25 Cotton Pressing Estimate To 304.25 Lakh Bales
The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has increased its cotton pressing estimate for the 2024-25 season by 2 lakh bales, bringing the total to 304.25 lakh bales of 170 kg each (equivalent to 319.27 lakh running bales of 162 kg each). This revision is based on inputs from 11 state associations and trade sources.
As of December 2024, total cotton supply is estimated at 176.04 lakh bales, including pressing figures of 133.85 lakh bales, imports of 12 lakh bales, and an opening stock of 30.19 lakh bales. Cotton consumption up to December is estimated at 84 lakh bales, while exports are at 7 lakh bales. The closing stock at the end of December stands at 85.04 lakh bales, with 25 lakh bales held by textile mills and 60.04 lakh bales with CCI, Maharashtra Federation, and traders.
For the full 2024-25 season, CAI has raised its total cotton supply estimate to 359.44 lakh bales, with domestic consumption revised up by 2 lakh bales to 315 lakh bales. However, exports remain unchanged at 18 lakh bales, marking a decline of 10.36 lakh bales from the previous year. The closing stock at the end of the season is projected at 26.44 lakh bales.
At the CAI Crop Committee meeting attended by 22 members on January 22, state-wise adjustments were made to the pressing estimates. While the North Zone saw a decline of 3.50 lakh bales, Telangana reported an increase of 6 lakh bales. Cotton imports for the season are projected at 25 lakh bales, up by 9.80 lakh bales from last year.
