Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Indian Cotton Arrivals Rise as Buyers Wait for Better Prices
More cotton from India’s 2026 crop is now reaching markets.
About 30,000 bales are arriving each day in several states.
Arrivals are expected to increase from the first week of October.
However, many buyers are waiting instead of purchasing quickly.
This is because international cotton prices have fallen.
Yarn demand and yarn exports are also slow.
Cotton prices in India remain relatively high compared with what yarn and fabric can earn.
The government cotton corporation lowered its auction price, but buyers still expect better opportunities as more new cotton arrives.
Daily raw-cotton arrivals have reached about 30,000 bales across major producing regions and are expected to increase from early October.
Buyers are cautious because ICE Futures prices have fallen from 93 cents to 83 cents per pound, weakening yarn-market demand.
Raw-cotton prices remain above minimum support price levels, partly because seed prices are higher.
The Cotton Corporation of India cut auction prices by ₹1,600 per candy to about ₹67,000, but buyers have not responded strongly.
Cotton acreage stood at 109.61 lakh hectares on September 18, slightly below the 110.60 lakh hectares recorded a year earlier.
- Who
- Indian cotton farmers, traders, buyers, the Cotton Corporation of India, and yarn-market participants are involved.
- What
- Cotton arrivals are improving, while cautious buyers and easing global prices are putting pressure on the domestic market.
- When
- The report was published on September 18, 2026; arrivals are expected to increase from the first week of October.
- Where
- The activity is reported across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and northern India.
- Why
- Buyers are waiting because ICE Futures prices have eased, yarn demand is weak, and new-crop supplies are increasing.
Cautious Buyers
Increasing Supply
Near-term price outlook
Cautious Buyers
Buyers are holding back because global cotton prices have fallen, yarn demand is slow, and new supplies may create better purchasing opportunities.
Increasing Supply
Improving arrivals and lower auction prices could increase market availability, although the article does not report a strong buyer response yet.
Current price levels
Cautious Buyers
Buyers consider cotton prices relatively high compared with yarn and fabric realisations, making purchases less attractive.
Increasing Supply
Raw-cotton prices remain above minimum support price levels, supported partly by higher seed prices.
- Daily arrivals
- About 30,000 bales of raw cotton, with each bale weighing 170 kg
- ICE Futures price
- Declined from 93 cents to 83 cents per pound
- Raichur prices
- ₹9,300–9,500 per quintal
- Maharashtra prices
- Around ₹8,600 per quintal, affected by high moisture levels
- Old-crop auction price
- The Cotton Corporation of India reduced prices by ₹1,600 per candy to about ₹67,000
- Cotton acreage
- 109.61 lakh hectares on September 18, compared with 110.60 lakh hectares a year earlier