India Cotton Output Revised Higher Amid Rising Consumption Trends by Amit Gupta, Kedia Advisory
India Cotton Output Revised Higher Amid Rising Consumption Trends
The Cotton Association of India has raised India’s cotton pressing estimate for 2025-26 to 320.50 lakh bales, driven mainly by higher output in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Cotton consumption has also been revised upward to 315 lakh bales, indicating stronger domestic demand. Meanwhile, imports are reduced to 47 lakh bales, while exports remain unchanged at 15 lakh bales. Total cotton supply is estimated at 428.09 lakh bales, resulting in a higher surplus of 113.09 lakh bales. Despite increased supply, closing stocks are revised lower, reflecting improved demand dynamics in the domestic market.
Key Highlights
* Cotton pressing raised to 320.50 lakh bales for 2025-26 season
* Domestic consumption increased sharply to 315 lakh bales
* Cotton imports reduced to 47 lakh bales, exports unchanged* Total cotton supply estimated higher at 428.09 lakh bales Closing stock revised lower despite higher overall surplus
India’s cotton market witnessed a notable upward revision in production estimates, with the Cotton Association of India increasing cotton pressing figures for the 2025-26 season to 320.50 lakh bales from the earlier 317.00 lakh bales. The upward revision was primarily driven by higher output in Maharashtra (+4.00 lakh bales) and Andhra Pradesh (+1.00 lakh bales), which offset declines in northern states such as Punjab and Rajasthan. This adjustment reflects improved crop arrivals and stronger regional production trends.
The overall cotton supply scenario remains robust, with total availability projected at 428.09 lakh bales for the season ending September 2026, significantly higher than last year’s 392.59 lakh bales. Supporting this supply expansion are increased opening stocks of 60.59 lakh bales and steady import flows, although imports have been slightly reduced to 47 lakh bales. By the end of February 2026, total availability stood at 357.55 lakh bales, indicating healthy supply levels in the domestic market.
On the demand side, consumption has been revised upward to 315 lakh bales, reflecting improved demand from the textile sector. This marks a marginal increase compared to the previous year, signaling stable industry activity. Exports, however, remain subdued at 15 lakh bales, lower than last year’s levels, indicating limited global competitiveness or demand constraints.
Despite higher production and supply, the closing stock estimate has been reduced to 98.09 lakh bales, suggesting stronger domestic absorption. However, the overall surplus remains elevated at 113.09 lakh bales, highlighting a comfortable supply-demand balance in the current season.
India’s cotton outlook remains stable with higher production and demand, while reduced imports and lower closing stocks indicate improving domestic consumption despite a comfortable overall surplus scenario.
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