Cotton stocks in India for the season ending September 2025, are seen up 47 per cent at 57.59 lakh bales (of 170 kg each) from 39.19 lakh bales in the same period a year ago. This increase is largely attributed to the surge in imports of the fibre crop, which are estimated to have more than doubled to 39 lakh bales during the year against 15.20 lakh bales the previous season, the Cotton Association of India (CAI) said.
Based on the inputs received from its members of 11 cotton-growing State associations and trade sources, CAI has maintained its cotton pressing estimate for 2024-25 season at 311.40 lakh bales, same as estimated previously, said hairman Atul Ganatra in a statement.
CAI estimates total supply till end September at 389.59 lakh bales against the earlier estimate of 380.59 lakh bales. Total supply consists of the opening stock of 39.19 lakh bales at the beginning of 2024-25 season on October 1, 2024, cotton pressing numbers estimated for the season at 311.40 lakh bales and imports of 39 lakh bales.
Domestic offtake up
For the 2024-25 season, CAI has increased the domestic consumption estimate to 314 lakh bales against from its earlier projection of 308 lakh bales. The exports for the season 2024-25 are estimated at 18 lakh bales, down 36 per cent from previous year’s 28.36 lakh bales. Till July end, 33 lakh bales are estimated to have arrived at the Indian ports.
Total supplies till end July was estimated at 374.43 lakh bales. This comprised of pressing of 302.24 lakh bales, imports of 33 lakh bales and opening stock of 39.19 lakh bales. Consumption till end July has been estimated at 261.66 lakh bales, while exports for the period stood at 16 lakh bales. Stock at the end of July are estimated at 96.77 lakh bales. This includes 32.50 lakh bales with textiles mills and remaining 64.27 lakh bales with CCI, Maharashtra Federation and others such as the MNCs, ginners, traders and exporters including cotton sold but not delivered, Ganatra said.
Published on August 14, 2025