India’s Cotton Exports To Fall 47% In 2024-25: CAI
India’s cotton exports are expected to decline sharply to 15 lakh bales in the 2024-25 season (October-September), down from 28.36 lakh bales in the previous year, due to lower domestic output and cheaper Brazilian cotton in global markets, said the Cotton Association of India (CAI).
CAI President Atul S. Ganatra noted that Brazilian cotton is currently priced around 7% lower than Indian cotton, making it more attractive to global buyers.
In addition, India’s cotton production is projected to fall by over 11% to 291.35 lakh bales in 2024-25 from 327.45 lakh bales in the previous season, prompting a surge in imports. Imports are expected to rise to 33 lakh bales, an increase of 17.80 lakh bales year-on-year.
As per CAI estimates, the total cotton supply till the end of April 2025 stands at 325.89 lakh bales, comprising 268.20 lakh bales of cotton pressings, 27.50 lakh bales of imports, and 30.19 lakh bales of opening stock.
Cotton consumption until the end of April is estimated at 185 lakh bales, while exports during this period are pegged at 10 lakh bales. The stock at the end of April 2025 is estimated at 130.89 lakh bales, including 35 lakh bales with textile mills and 95.89 lakh bales held by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), Maharashtra Federation, traders, ginners, and exporters.
For the full season, total cotton supply is projected at 354.54 lakh bales, while domestic consumption has been revised downward to 307 lakh bales, the CAI added.
