India Imports 27 Lakh Bales Cotton In 2024–25
India imported 27.09 lakh bales of cotton worth Rs 7830 crore in the ongoing 2024–25 cotton season (up to May 31, 2025) with major supplies coming from Brazil, the USA and Australia, according to data tabled in the Lok Sabha by Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles.
The import list was led by Brazil (6.54 lakh bales worth Rs 1,620 crore), followed closely by the USA (5.25 lakh bales, Rs 1802 crore) and Australia (5.13 lakh bales, Rs 1450 crore). Other key suppliers included Mali, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire and several African nations. The government clarified that there is no proposal to impose restrictions or sanctions on cotton imports.
Strong Domestic Procurement Under MSP
As the Central Nodal Agency for Minimum Support Price operations for cotton, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) procured 100.16 lakh bales in 2024–25, equivalent to 34.04% of India’s estimated production of 294.25 lakh bales. This procurement was conducted through 508 centres across 11 states and was valued at Rs 37436.73 crore.
Maharashtra (29.41 lakh bales), Telangana (40.38 lakh bales), and Gujarat (14.12 lakh bales) were the top contributors to MSP sales, benefiting over 20.77 lakh farmer transactions. Notably, in Maharashtra alone, the CCI purchased 144.55 lakh quintals of kapas valued at Rs 10714 crore through 6.27 lakh farmer transactions.
Balancing Farmer Interests and Market Needs
The MSP intervention was triggered when cotton prices fell below government-declared support rates. The Minister noted that in cotton seasons such as 2016–17, 2021–22 and 2022–23, prices remained above MSP levels and no procurement was required.
Of the total MSP procurement this season, 71.54 lakh bales have already been sold via e-auctions, while 28.62 lakh bales remain in stock.
Ten-Year Import Trend
Over the last decade, India’s cotton import patterns have fluctuated sharply, with the USA, Australia, and African countries being consistent suppliers. Imports peaked in 2021–22 at over 21.13 lakh bales valued at Rs 10354 crore before softening in subsequent years.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests while ensuring the textile industry’s raw material requirements are met through a balanced approach to procurement and imports.
