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India's CCI to start selling cotton for 2025-26 season next weekThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) is set to begin selling cotton procured during the 2025-26 crop season starting January 19. The government agency has announced the terms and conditions for the sale of fully pressed cotton bales on its website. According to trade sources, the CCI has so far procured approximately 8 million bales (170 kg each), and procurement is still ongoing in various states, including Telangana and Maharashtra.Market rebounds, prices rise above MSPCotton prices have seen a significant increase in recent weeks, rising above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) level. This is mainly due to the strengthening of cottonseed prices and the government's decision to end the import duty exemption from December 31. According to Ramanuja Das Bub, a sourcing agent from Raichur, "In the last month, the price of cottonseed has increased by approximately ₹700 per quintal, rising from ₹3,600-3,700 to a high of ₹4,300, and is now at ₹4,100. Similarly, cotton prices have also increased by about ₹4,000 per candy, reaching ₹55,000-56,000. The price of raw cotton has also increased from ₹7,700 to approximately ₹8,200-8,300." He added that now that the CCI (Cotton Corporation of India) has announced its sales plan starting next week, buyers are waiting for their prices.Production Estimates Increased, But Imports Break RecordsWhile production has increased, imports are also at record levels. The trade body Cotton Association of India (CAI) recently increased its cotton production estimate for 2025-26 by 7.5 lakh bales to 317 lakh bales. This increase is due to better-than-expected production in Maharashtra and Telangana.The association has projected record imports of 50 lakh bales this season, higher than the 41 lakh bales imported last year.  By December 31st, 31 lakh bales had already been imported. Due to record imports, the CAI has projected a massive surplus of 122.59 lakh bales at the end of the season, a 56% increase compared to last year.read more :- CCI increased cotton prices, weekly sales 17,500 bales

CCI Raises Cotton Prices by ₹1,000–₹1,300 per Candy; Weekly Sales Touch 17,500 BalesThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) increased cotton prices by 1000-₹1300 per candy this week. CCI has now sold 98.70% of the cotton procured during the 2024-25 season through e-auctions.During the week of January 12, 2026 to January 16, 2026, CCI conducted regular online auctions for mills and traders at various centers. These auctions resulted in total weekly sales of approximately 17,500 bales.Weekly Sales ReportJanuary 12, 2026The highest sales of the week were recorded at 9,800 bales, with mills purchasing 6,100 bales and traders purchasing 3,700 bales.January 13, 2026CCI sold 3,100 bales on this day, with mills purchasing 2,600 bales and traders purchasing 500 bales.January 14, 2026Total sales were 4,600 bales. Mills purchased 3,900 bales, while traders purchased 700 bales.January 16, 2026The week ended with no bales sold in both the session on this day.With this week's sales, CCI's total cotton sales for the current season have reached approximately 98,70,800 bales, representing 98.70% of its total procurement under the 2024-25 season.read more :- Textile industry expects duty free cotton from Budget 2026-27

Textile Industry Pushes for Duty-Free Cotton Imports Ahead of Budget 2026–27India’s textile and apparel industry has outlined a series of demands ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, highlighting concerns over raw material availability, global quality standards, and cost competitiveness. The Budget will be presented by Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026.The Southern India Mills Association (SIMA) has called for unrestricted duty-free cotton imports, warning that existing import duties could worsen supply constraints. It also proposed a separate classification for recycled and sustainable textile products, removal of import duties on speciality fibres, and elimination of anti-dumping duties on key raw materials such as PTA and MEG.SIMA noted that cotton productivity in India has declined in recent seasons, pushing output below industry requirements. It cautioned that supply gaps could emerge from late 2025 if import restrictions persist. According to the association, a permanent duty-free regime would stabilise prices, improve export competitiveness, and protect jobs in the sector.The industry also warned that India risks losing export orders to competitors like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia if raw material availability remains uncertain and costly.In addition, SIMA has urged the removal of import duty on cotton waste, widely used by handloom and powerloom clusters in Tamil Nadu for products such as towels, carpets, and home textiles. The current duty structure, it argued, weakens India’s position in recycled textile exports, especially against Pakistan, while putting pressure on open-end spinning mills.For the man-made fibre (MMF) segment, manufacturers have proposed a dedicated classification for recycled and sustainable textiles to enhance global recognition. They also recommended scrapping anti-dumping duties on PTA and MEG and allowing duty-free imports of speciality fibres not produced domestically, enabling expansion into technical textiles and high-value exports.MSME textile units have sought compliance relaxations aligned with revised MSME definitions, along with improved access to export financing. Industry stakeholders emphasised the need for stronger banking support for export bill discounting, particularly for shipments to Bangladesh, a key market for Indian yarn and fabric.Exporters have also suggested logistics reforms, such as permitting trucks carrying import cargo to transport export goods on return trips along major textile corridors. This would reduce empty runs, cut freight costs, improve efficiency, and lower emissions.The industry further called for faster rollout of technology upgradation subsidies, continuation of export incentives in cash form, and extension of interest subvention schemes for cotton yarn exports. It stressed that cotton yarn remains central to India’s long-term export growth and requires sustained financial support.Finally, the sector has urged stricter action against under-invoiced imports of garments and made-ups through yarn-forward or fabric-forward rules, along with broader credit guarantee frameworks and interest support to shield domestic manufacturers from rising global competition.read more :- Cotton sector hopes for new seed technology

Indian Cotton Sector Hopes for New Seed Technology from the Budget: Atul GanatraAtul Ganatra, Chairman* of the SRCPL Group, said in an interview with CNBC Bajar that cotton productivity in India is extremely low, and the biggest reason for this is outdated seed technology.He stated that the average cotton production in India is 450 kilograms per hectare, while in Brazil and Australia it is several times higher. Atul Ganatra urged the government to allocate a special fund of Rs. 15,000 crore in the upcoming budget for the development of new seed technology.He clarified that simply increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) will not increase farmers' income. Farmers will only truly benefit when their yield per hectare increases.Atul Ganatra also suggested that the purchase of cotton at MSP should be stopped and a "Price Difference Scheme" (Bhavantar Yojana) should be implemented, allowing the government to directly transfer assistance to farmers' bank accounts. This would benefit all cotton farmers and strengthen the entire textile industry value chain.Regarding the increase in cotton imports, he said that allowing duty-free imports and high domestic cotton prices are the main reasons. Since Indian prices are significantly higher than global market prices, cotton exports from India are currently not feasible.read more :- Rupee fell 50 paise to close at 90.87 per dollar

On Friday, the Indian rupee fell 50 paise to close at 90.87 per dollar, compared to its opening price of 90.37 in the morning.BSE Sensex closed at 83,570.35, up 187.64 points or 0.23 per cent. The index recorded an intra-day high at 84,134.97 and low at 83,456.50. read more :- EU-India trade agreement, boost to apparel-textile sector

EU to Seal Trade Deal With India, Boosting Apparel, Textile Prospects | The European Union is set to formalise its largest trade agreement to date with India on 27 January, in a move expected to significantly deepen economic ties between Brussels and New Delhi and reshape trade flows across multiple sectors, including apparel and textiles.According to a report by European news outlet Euractiv, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen informed Members of the European Parliament during a closed-door briefing that the agreement would be concluded later this month. Von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are scheduled to sign the agreement alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their visit to New Delhi.Von der Leyen described the agreement as a major signal of the European Union’s trade policy ambitions. The deal would be the bloc’s largest free trade agreement to date, granting enhanced access to a market representing roughly a quarter of the world’s population.The agreement is expected to have particular significance for the apparel and textile sector. The European Union is currently India’s second-largest export destination for apparel, accounting for nearly 27% of India’s total garment exports. Annual apparel shipments from India to the EU are valued at more than US $ 7.5 billion, while total textile and clothing exports to the bloc—including yarn, fabrics and home textiles—are estimated to exceed US $ 11 billion annually.At present, Indian apparel exports to the EU face import duties ranging from 8% to 12%, reducing price competitiveness compared with suppliers such as Bangladesh, Vietnam and Turkey, which benefit from preferential or duty-free access under existing trade arrangements. Industry stakeholders expect an FTA to significantly lower or eliminate these tariffs, improving India’s position in the European sourcing market.UK and European apparel brands, including Marks & Spencer, Primark and Next, have already begun preliminary negotiations with Indian suppliers as the agreement moves closer to ratification. Buyers have increased factory audits and supplier assessments in major manufacturing hubs such as Tirupur in Tamil Nadu, indicating plans to initiate or expand sourcing from India once the agreement comes into force.Industry analysts say the deal could accelerate a shift in European sourcing strategies, particularly as brands seek to diversify supply chains amid rising costs and regulatory pressures in other manufacturing regions.read more :- US market slow, India's hold in China strong

India's exports to China jumped , exports to America stalled due to Trump tariffsIndia's exports to China increased by 67% to $2 billion in December, while exports to the US declined by 1.8% to $6.8 billion.Main reasons:* 50% tariffs imposed by the US on India — the highest on any country.* Due to this India turned towards alternative markets.Key figures:* Trade with China to $110.2 billion in April-December 2025, more than US.* $26 billion surplus with the US, while $81.7 billion deficit with China.* Total trade deficit increased 21.4% to $25 billion in December.On the diplomatic front:* Recent improvements in India-China relations; Dialogue and trade increased between the two countries.* Trade agreement between India and America is still in limbo.* India objected to the statement given by the American side regarding “Modi-Trump phone call”.Further strategy:* India is now moving towards trade agreements with countries like EU, UK, Oman, New Zealand.* According to exporters, India's “diverse and flexible export network” is providing strength in the changing geopolitical environment.read more :- Rupee open Falls 07 Paise to 90.37/USD

 Rupee opens 07 paise down at 90.37 against dollarIndian rupee opened lower at 90.37 per dollar on Friday versus Wednesday's close of 90.30.read more :- Cotton Market Situation Report – As on 31/12/2025

A SUMMARISE REPORT ON PRESENT COTTON SCENARIO (POSITION AS ON 31/12/2025) (Each bale170 kgs.)▪️Total pressing estimate during crop year 2025-2026 is estimated as 317.00 lakh bales & upto 31-12-2025 total 155.19 lakh bales have been pressed. Considering above till Dec-2025 end total availability of cotton may be assesed as 246.78 lakh bales including import of 31.00 lakh bales and Opening stock of 60.59 lakh bales.▪️Cotton consumption in this cotton season may touch 305 lakh bales and upto 31-12-2025 about 76.25 lakh bales reported as consumed. (SIS)▪️Export upto Dec 2025 end is found total 4.50 lakh bales against estimation  for this season year of 15.00 lakh bales.▪️It is revealed that during current crop  end total 50.00 lakh bales may be imported. Upto 31 Dec 2025 about 31 lakh bales have been arrived at different indian ports. (SIS)▪️Kepping in view the above , total available stock as on 30.12.2025 is calculated to the tune 246.78 lakh bales, consisting of opening stock, total pressing & import. (SIS)▪️As on 31 Dec 2025 stock with the mills is found to the tune of 66.00 lakh bales where as with CCI/MFED MNCS, Ginner , Treaders and Exporters it comes around 100.03 lakh bales.

Guaranteed Rates Fall; Farmers Upset by Lower Grading: Cotton Prices Surge in Open Market, Reaching Eight Thousand; a Rs. 600 Increase RecordedWhile the price of cotton has decreased at the guaranteed purchase centers, it has surged in the open market of the district. The implementation of a second grade by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has lowered the guaranteed price, but the open market has seen an increase of Rs. 500 per quintal.The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has introduced a second grade for cotton at its guaranteed purchase centers. This has reduced the guaranteed price by Rs. 100 per quintal. As a result, the price of cotton at the procurement center has fallen from Rs. 8110 to Rs. 8010 per quintal. On the other hand, the price of cotton in the open market of Yavatmal district has increased significantly. Cotton, which was previously priced between Rs. 7,200 and Rs. 7,500 per quintal, has now increased by Rs. 500 to Rs. 600, with prices reaching as high as Rs. 8,100 per quintal. This has created a sense of enthusiasm among farmers, and there is a rush to sell in the open market.However, farmers are complaining that despite having good quality cotton, they are being given a lower grade at the guaranteed centers. Farmers are demanding that the previous grading system be reinstated. However, since no new notification has been issued by the central government in this regard, procurement at the guaranteed centers is currently being done according to the second grade.Discussion on Import Duty: The central government had given an 11 percent exemption on import duty on cotton. There are discussions that these charges have now been reversed. However, an official notification in this regard has not yet been issued. Agricultural experts believe that even if the import duty is reversed, it will not have much impact on market prices.read more :-  Cotton imports increase in December quarter due to duty-free incentives

India's Dec quarter cotton imports soar amid duty-free import pushMUMBAI, Jan 14  - India's cotton imports rose 158% year on year to a record 3.1 million bales in the December quarter after New Delhi allowed duty-free ‌imports, boosting overseas purchases, a leading industry body said on Wednesday.Higher imports by the world's second-largest cotton producer are expected to support global prices , but they could weigh on local prices, ‌which had been rising due to crop damage.New Delhi exempted cotton imports from the 11% duty during the December quarter.India's cotton imports in the 2025/26 marketing year, which began ‍on Oct. 1, are likely to jump 22% from a year earlier to a record 5 million bales, the Mumbai-based Cotton Association of India (CAI) ⁠estimated.India's imports reached a record 4.1 million bales last ‍year from the U.S., Brazil, Australia and Africa.The industry body raised its ‌estimate ‌for the current season's cotton crop to 31.7 million bales, up from the previous forecast of 30.95 million bales, mainly due to higher output in the western state of Maharashtra ⁠and the ⁠southern state of Telangana.The textile industry is one of the largest employers in India, directly employing over 45 million people.The CAI forecasts cotton consumption will ‍decline 2.9% to 30.5 million bales in 2025/26, amid weak overseas demand for Indian fabric and apparel.The U.S., which takes nearly 29% of India's $38 billion annual textile exports, doubled ‍tariffs on imports from India to as high as 50%, effective August.read more :- INR Drops 05 Paise, Closes at 90.30 per Dollar