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India blinks, removes duty on cotton imports in trade thaw with US.New Delhi: In a move seen as breaking the ice in strained trade relations with the US, the Indian government late on Monday removed the customs duty and agriculture cess on cotton imports, a step that industry observers believe could ease tensions and create fresh room for engagement.Through a notification issued by the ministry of finance, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) said all imports under heading 5201—covering raw cotton—will be exempt from duties between 19 August and 30 September. The decision is expected to directly benefit American exporters, who have been pressing for easier market access in India after Washington increased tariffs on Indian products earlier this year.The development comes after months of back-and-forth between the two sides, with India holding its ground on sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy in bilateral trade talks. By offering temporary relief on cotton, New Delhi appears to be signaling flexibility without compromising on its core red lines.The US team of negotiators, who were scheduled to visit New Delhi for the sixth round of talks on 25 August, has cancelled its visit, and no fresh date has been announced.Notably, the 25% reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports imposed by US President Donald Trump took effect on 7 August may double to 50% on 27 August when the additional tariffs linked to New Delhi’s oil trade with Russia come into force.Before the latest exemption, cotton imports into India attracted a combined duty of around 11%.“It is a calibrated gesture that addresses US concerns while safeguarding domestic sensitivities,” said Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), a think tank. Srivastava added that the short exemption window allows the government to retain leverage in ongoing negotiations.The move is also being read against the backdrop of India’s own supply needs. Cotton availability in the domestic market has been tight, with industry bodies repeatedly flagging the risk of higher yarn prices and downstream cost pressures in textiles. By permitting duty-free imports, the government aims to cool raw material prices ahead of the festival season, when demand for garments typically spikes.For the US, the exemption is significant. With China slapping extra duties on American cotton, India has emerged as a promising alternative market. Industry leaders said the duty removal could help bridge some of the recent mistrust. “Cotton was a sticking point in the discussions. This move can inject goodwill into the dialogue and perhaps pave the way for broader tariff concessions in textiles,” said an executive with a leading apparel exporters’ association.“CITI (Confederation of Indian Textile Industry) has long been requesting that the import duty on cotton be removed to help domestic cotton prices align with international prices. We therefore greatly welcome this measure taken by the authorities, even though the relief is only available temporarily,” said CITI secretary general Chandrima Chatterjee.According to the Cotton Association of India, imports surged to 2.71 million bales in FY25, compared with 1.52 million bales in FY24 and 1.46 million bales in FY23. Each bale is equivalent to 170kg.India’s cotton output dropped from about 33.7 million bales in 2022-23 to 32.5 million bales in FY24 and an estimated 30.7 million bales in FY25, according to agriculture ministry data. (The cotton production year runs from October through September.)According to the US department of agriculture, China is the world’s largest producer of cotton, with its 32 million bales in 2024/2025, accounting for 26% of global production. India stood second with its 25 million bales, accounting for 21% of global cotton production.read more :- INR Opens Stronger by 10 Paise at 87.25

 Indian rupee opens 10 paise stronger at 87.25/USD tracking GST reformsThe Indian rupee opened 10 paise higher at 87.25 against the US dollar on August 19 as compared to 87.35 against the greenback at previous close.read more :- Rupee higher 13 Paisa Against Dollar, Closes at 87.35

The Indian rupee ended 13 paisa higher on monday at 87.35 to the dollar, while it opened at 87.48 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 676.09 points or 0.84 percent at 81,273.75, and the Nifty was up 251.20 points or 1.02 percent at 24,882.50. About 2446 shares advanced, 1555 shares declined, and 160 shares unchanged.read more :- Monsoon becomes active again, heavy rain alert in 12 states!

Monsoon is active again in the country! Alert of heavy rain in these 12 states, know the weather of your city.The effect of monsoon in the country has changed to a great extent now. Rain is still there in the hilly areas and concerns have increased in many states about incidents like floods and cloudburst. At the same time, rain has started decreasing in the plains, but light or intense rains are continuing in some states. Especially in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the fear of cloudburst is haunting the people.Effect of monsoon in hilly areasIn recent days, the speed of monsoon has remained high in hilly areas like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Heavy rainfall, alluvial flow and dangerous natural events like cloudburst at many places have increased the concerns of the local people. Recent incidents are forcing people to be alert.Decrease in rain in plainsOn the other hand, monsoon has started weakening in the plains. The rain has gradually reduced, due to which the heat and humidity in the weather is increasing. Especially in many areas of western and eastern UP, strong sunlight during the day and sticky heat at night are being felt more. This change has become uncomfortable for the people, but the lack of heavy rainfall has brought relief and reduced the situation of waterlogging.Current condition of DelhiToday, i.e. 18 August, the Meteorological Department has not issued any serious warning in Delhi. Overall, the possibility of rain is said to be less. However, there is also a possibility of sudden change in the weather in the late evening. The water level of Yamuna river was high due to continuous rain in the last few days.Uttar Pradesh: Humidity, heat and a little apprehensionThe possibility of torrential rain in Uttar Pradesh seems far away at the moment. According to the Meteorological Department, there is no possibility of heavy rain anywhere in the next 72 hours.On August 18, some districts of western states and some parts of eastern UP may receive light drizzle or thundershowers, but it will be extremely limited.On August 19 and 20 also, light to moderate rain is expected at some places from western to eastern UP.Meanwhile, heat and humidity are bothering people more, especially due to the heat of the day and humidity at night, there is very little relief.Weather changed in Bihar, heavy rain warningThe weather is going to deteriorate again in Bihar on August 18. The Meteorological Department, Patna has issued a warning of heavy rain for West Champaran, East Champaran, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj and Purnia districts. During this time, lightning has also been feared. People have been instructed to be especially vigilant so that any untoward incident can be avoided.Yellow alert and vigilance in UttarakhandThe Meteorological Center of Uttarakhand has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain at some places in Pauri, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh and Nainital districts. Other districts may also receive heavy rain with thunder, lightning and heavy spells. Dehradun will remain partly cloudy today and light to moderate rain may occur. There is a possibility of heavy rain at some places on Tuesday as well.Revival of monsoon in RajasthanMonsoon has become active again in Rajasthan. Due to less rain here for a few days, there was strong sunlight, heat and uncomfortable conditions for the people. But changes in weather systems are indicating that rain is expected in many parts of Rajasthan in the coming days, due to which there is a possibility of relief.Chance of rain in South IndiaAccording to the information of the India Meteorological Department, on August 18, extremely heavy rain is likely at isolated places in coastal Karnataka, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam and southern interior Karnataka. Also, very heavy rainfall may occur at many places in Kerala and Mahe during the period 18-20 August. Due to this, both the people and the administration there are alert.read more :- Rajasthan: BT cotton sown in 1.8 lakh hectares in Hanumangarh, 61 thousand hectares more than last year

Rajasthan: BT cotton sowing in 1.80 lakh hectares, 61 thousand hectares more than last year, next 60 days are important.This time BT cotton has been sown in 1 lakh 80 thousand hectares in Hanumangarh district. This figure of sowing is about 61 thousand hectares more than last year. Last year, sowing was done in only 1 lakh 19 thousand hectares. Disease outbreak in the crop after rainAgriculture department officials and supervisors are conducting surveys to protect the crop from the outbreak of pink bollworm and other diseases. Field staff has been instructed to regularly survey the fields and submit reports. However, there is no report of damage anywhere on a large scale so far. Still, agriculture department officials are also making farmers aware. Along with increasing sowing area, if the production is good, the economy of the district will also be strengthened. Farmers will also benefit. According to department officials, once the pink bollworm goes into the pod, it becomes almost impossible to manage it. In such a situation, there is a need to remain alert for the next 60 days. Farmers have been appealed to continuously monitor the crop and work for control as per the department's recommendation if the disease outbreak is seen. According to departmental officials, currently the pest infestation is below the damage level.BT cotton is the main crop of Kharif season. It has also been included in the cash crop. Farmers also earn the highest income from cotton. This time the area of sowing has increased. Due to increase in production according to the sowing area, the income of farmers will increase and the economy will also be strengthened. Because the economy of the district is based on agriculture. Due to low production, the business of every class is affected. In the last several years, the number of cotton ginning mills has also increased in the district. If there is adequate production, then employment opportunities will also increase in the mill. Therefore, it is a big challenge for the department to protect cotton from the caterpillar infestation. Departmental officials are organizing farmer seminars in rural areas. In these, farmers are being told about the measures from increasing caterpillar infestation to its control. The most effective method is pheromone trap. Farmers have been appealed to regularly inspect and monitor the pink caterpillar infestation with the help of pheromone traps placed in the fields and assess its economic loss level.According to the assessment, if 5 to 8 moths are found in the trap for three consecutive days, then in this situation, efforts should be made to control it as per the recommendations of the Agriculture Department. The crop has reached the fruiting stage, so there is a need to take special care of nutrients: The Agriculture Department is appealing to the farmers to take special care of the nutrients in the crop. Currently, the cotton crop is in the fruiting stage. In this stage, the crop needs the most nutrients. Due to excessive rainfall in some areas of the district, symptoms of nutrient deficiency are visible in the crop, because due to rainwater, the nutrients in the root area of the crop leak into the lower level of the soil.Many times, the farmers do not give the basal amount of fertilizers for the necessary nutrients at the time of sowing the crop. Due to this, the nutrients are not available to the crop. Due to this, the flower buds turn yellow and start falling. This has an adverse effect on productivity. Farmers have been appealed that in case symptoms of nutrient deficiency are seen in the cotton crop or in case the flowers turn yellow and fall, soluble fertilizers should be sprayed on the standing crop as per departmental recommendation. BT cotton is the main crop of Kharif season. These days the crop has reached the fruiting stage. Farmers are being made aware about how to control the outbreak of diseases including pink bollworm in the crop.read more :- India's cotton imports are set to reach a record 39 lakh bales in 2024-25.

India’s cotton imports for crop year 2024-25 surge to record 39 lakh bales on lower global prices.India’s cotton imports will be a record 39 lakh bales of 170 kg each for the current 2024-25 crop year ending September, more than double the previous year’s 15.20 lakh bales. Lower international prices coupled with higher demand from mills for contaminant-free cotton has resulted in a surge in imports, said Atul Ganatra, President, Cotton Association of India (CAI).“Our prices are 10 to 12 per cent higher today than the world market and that is the reason India has done the highest import crossing 39 lakh bales and nearly 40 lakh bales,” Ganatra said. Previously, India’s cotton imports had touched a high of 31 lakh bales during 2022-23, when the domestic prices had soared touching a record one lakh rupees per candy (356 kg).Further, Ganatra said the Indian companies have already started contracting cotton import for the next crop year starting October as the international prices are cheaper. “In the last 10 days alone, 1.5 lakh bales has been contracted for the October-November-December delivery,” Ganatra said.Currently, the Brazilian cotton is available at ₹51,000 per candy for any port delivery – say at Tuticorin, Mundhra or Nhava Sheva. Due to the 11 per cent import duty, it is costing ₹56,000. However, the mills, which are doing lot of direct exports can buy on open licence for which the import duty is 4.4 per cent. “So they are finding the imported cotton cheap and best,” Ganatra added.Of the projected imports of 39 lakh bales till September, about 33 lakh bales have already arrived at the Indian ports till end-July. “I believe half of the imports are from Brazil, while another 8-10 lakh bales have been imported from African countries, for which duty is half at 5.5 per cent. Another 3 lakh bales is imported from Australia under the duty-free quota,” he said.As per the Commerce Ministry quick estimates, imports of cotton raw and waster registered a 61 per cent increase during the April-July period in dollar value terms. Cotton imports stood at $383.22 million during April-July this fiscal, up from $238.30 million in the same period last year. During April-March 2024-25, India’s imports of cotton raw and waste touched $1.219 billion, an increase of 104 per cent over previous year’s $598.66 million.As per CAI, the pressing estimates for 2024-25 stood lower at 311.4 lakh bales of 170 kg each, down from 336.45 lakh bales in the previous year. Domestic demand during the year is projected marginally up at 314 lakh bales (313 lakh bales in the previous year) and closing stocks at 57.59 lakh bales (39.19 lakh bales).read more :- Rupee Opens 08 Paise higher at 87.48

 Rupee opens 08 paise up at 87.48 on Modi's big GST reform pushThe currency opened at 87.48 against the US dollar after ending the previous session at 87.56.read more :- CCI Cotton Sales Details (2024-25): State Wise Data

State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2024-25 SeasonThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) made no changes in per candy price this week. Following the price revision, CCI sold approximately 28,800 bales during the week, bringing the total cotton bales sales for the 2024-25 season to approximately 71,76,400 bales. This represents around 71.76% of the total cotton procured so far this season.A state-wise breakdown of sales indicates strong activity from Maharashtra, Telangana, and Gujarat, which together account for over 83.86% of the total sales to date.This data underscores CCI’s proactive efforts in stabilizing the cotton market and ensuring steady supply across key cotton-producing states.read more:- No ban on China, India not buying Russian oil: Trump

Trump holds off secondary sanctions for China, claims India no longer buying Russian oil.The government did not react immediately to the inconclusive outcome of talks between US and Russian Presidents in Alaska, even as US President Donald Trump suggested he may put off implementing secondary or penalty tariffs as a result of the talks. The possible reprieve on a 25% extra tariff for buying Russian oil would be a relief for New Delhi, although Mr. Trump’s other comments surrounding the day-long visit to meet Russian President Putin would not, as he suggested that India had already stopped buying Russian oil.He also repeated earlier comments on his role in mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire — which India has denied — after the two countries were “shooting down aeroplanes” during Operation Sindoor in May this year.In an interview to U.S.’s Fox News after the talks, Mr. Trump said that he would consider the question of the penalty tariffs on Russian oil in “two or three weeks”, possibly indicating the August 27 deadline could pass for India without an implementation of punitive 25% tariffs over and above the 25% reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods that the U.S. has already put into place. When asked specifically about tariffs on China which imports even more oil than India, Mr. Trump said that “because of what happened today, I think I don’t have to think about that now,” adding, “I think you know, the meeting [with Putin] went very well”.Speaking earlier, Mr. Trump claimed that India had already agreed to drop purchases of Russian oil.Well he (Putin) lost an oil client, so to speak, which is India, which is doing about 40% of the oil, China as you know is doing a lot, and there are a few other countries,” Mr. Trump told Fox News in an interview before the talks on Friday.“If I did what’s called a secondary sanction or a secondary tariff, it would be devastating from their (Russia’s) standpoint. If I have to do it, I will do it, maybe I won’t have to do it,” Mr. Trump added. Ahead of the Trump-Putin talks, which the Ministry of External Affairs had welcomed and “endorsed”, officials were understood to be watching the talks in Alaska for three separate indicators. 1. To begin with, any agreement on a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire would be a positive, and would also mean the U.S. would lift objections to India’s purchase of Russian oil.2. The second would be that if the talks ended without agreement but cordially, the U.S. President could revise his announcement of a 25% penalty or secondary tariffs otherwise set to go into place on August 27 for Indian goods. On the other hand, if the talks ended badly, or with a walkout by either side, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had even threatened higher tariffs for buying Russian oil. 3. The third, that if talks were to end well, U.S. and India could resume trade talks for the Bilateral Trade Agreement, and possibly also negotiate a lower reciprocal tariff, which is currently at 25%. Last week, Mr. Trump had suggested that talks between India and US trade negotiators, due to hold the next round in Delhi on August 25, would be suspended until the Russian oil issue was “resolved”.While Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin did not announce any agreement, a short press appearance after their talks showed the two leaders had held cordial conversations, and while there was no deal, Mr. Putin said that they did reach an agreement on some issues.Trump insists he brokered India-Pakistan peaceMr. Trump did not, however, change his position on his involvement in the India-Pakistan conflict after the Pahalgam attacks, suggesting that whether he brokers a peace deal in Ukraine or not, he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in a number of conflicts, including Operation Sindoor. “Take a look at India and Pakistan. they were shooting down aeroplanes already, and that would have been maybe nuclear. I would have said it was going to go nuclear, and I was able to get [a ceasefire] done,” Mr. Trump said.read more:- Kharif outlook: India’s cotton output may rise on higher yields despite dip in area.

Kharif forecast: Cotton production likely to increase despite lower acreageIndia’s cotton production for the 2025-26 crop year starting October is likely to be higher than last year, despite a dip in area on higher yields. Cotton sowing has been impacted this year in the top two producing States of Gujarat and Maharashtra, where a section of farmers have shifted to other remunerative crops such as groundnut and maize.“Cotton crop conditions are very excellent this year. Very rarely, we see all the 10 growing States having satisfactory rain. As on today, the area coverage is lagging by around 3 per cent. Last year same time, the cotton area was 110 lakh hectares and this year sowing is completed on around 107 lakh hectares. Though the sowing is lower, we are expecting better yields, which are likely to improve by 10 per cent,” said Atul Ganatra, President, Cotton Association India (CAI), the apex trade body.Ganatra attributes the improved yields to the timely monsoon rains, which started in the first week of June, the ideal time for sowing. Compared to last year, the sowing is early by 15 days this year. “The plants are lush green this year. If everything goes well, we may get 10 per cent higher yield, which may result in higher production of 325-330 lakh bales (of 170 kg each) easily,” the CAI President said based on the latest feedback from cotton trade bodies across the country. For the current 2024-25 season ending September, CAI is projecting an output of 311 lakh bales.South surpriseThe southern States of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will spring a surprise this year, Ganatra said. “Karnataka is having 18-20 per cent extra sowing and the crop is very good over there. They are expecting a crop of 30 lakh bales in Karnataka compared to this year’s 24 lakh bales. In Telangana, the sowing is up by over 5 per cent at 44 lakh acres compared to last year’s 41 lakh acres. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh is also having a 25 per cent higher sowing as a section of tobacco and chilli farmers have turned to cotton because of higher minimum support price and Cotton Corporation of India had done big purchases in AP this year,” Ganatra said.“We may get from South alone, about 1 crore bales from Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha, which will be a record. This year, the production was around 87 lakh bales,” Ganatra said.In Central India, from where we get around 200 lakh bales, sowing this kharif has reduced by 10 per cent in Gujarat and by around 3-4 per cent in Maharashtra. The decline in area is mainly in the Khandesh region of Maharashtra, while the area has been maintained in Vidarbha and Marathawada has maintained the sowing area. In Khandesh, the crop was down at 9 lakh bales during 2024-25 over previous year’s 15 lakh bales.“In North India, crop conditions are excellent. This year, they got around 28.5 lakh bales. Next season, the North is expecting 38 lakh bales crop,” Ganatra said. Area has increased a bit in Rajasthan, while in Haryana it has reduced. In Punjab, the sowing is same as that of last year, but crop conditions are good.read more :-  CCI sells over 71% of 2024-25 cotton stock through e-bidding

Over 71% of Cotton Corporation of India (CCI’s) 2024–25 Cotton Stock Sold via E-BiddingThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) conducted online bidding for cotton bales throughout the week, with significant trading activity observed across both the Mills and Traders sessions. Over the course of Four days, CCI prices are unchanged.As of now, CCI has sold approximately 71,76,400 cotton bales for the 2024–25 season, representing 71.77% of its total procurement for the season.Date wise weekly Sales Summary :11 August 2025 :Sales amounted to 7,300 bales, all from the 2024–25 season.Mills session: 2,400 balesTraders session: 4,900 bales12 August 2025 :A total of 3,300 bales were sold from the 2024–25 season.Mills session : 600 balesTraders session : 2,700 bales13 August 2025 :The highest daily sales of the week were recorded on this day, with 13,700 bales sold from the 2024–25 season.Mills session : 7,000 balesTraders session : 6,700 bales14 August 2025 :A total of 4,500 bales were sold from the 2024–25 season.Mills session : 1300 balesTraders session : 3200 balesWeekly Total:CCI achieved total sales of approximately 28,800 bales for the week, underscoring its strong market engagement and the growing efficiency of its digital transaction platform.