Archive · 29 Jul 2026
India Projects Record 60 Lakh Cotton Bales Import for 2025-26
The Cotton Association of India says that the country will import a record 60 lakh bales of cotton in the 2025‑26 season.
This is because cotton mills can buy cotton without paying a 11% duty from June to October.
The association also expects exports to drop to 15 lakh bales.
Total cotton available in India will be about 452 lakh bales, with 348 lakh bales used by the textile industry.
The new estimate shows a big jump in imports compared to last year.
CAI raises 2025‑26 cotton import projection to 60 lakh bales, up 13 lakh from earlier estimate.
Imports expected to be 19 lakh bales higher than the previous year.
Duty‑free period June‑October gives mills an 11% duty exemption.
Export projection lowered to 15 lakh bales from 18 lakh bales.
Total supply for 2025‑26 estimated at 452.59 lakh bales, with consumption at 348 lakh bales.
- Who
- Cotton Association of India, Vinay N Kotak, Atul S Ganatra
- What
- Projected cotton imports, exports, consumption, and supply for 2025‑26
- When
- 2025‑26 season ending September; estimate released July 29, 2026
- Where
- India ports and domestic textile sector
- Why
- Duty‑free advantage and rising domestic consumption
- Projected Imports
- 60 lakh bales
- Projected Exports
- 15 lakh bales
- Total Supply
- 452.59 lakh bales
- Total Consumption
- 348 lakh bales
- Duty-Free Period
- June–October (11% exemption)