India May Extend Duty-Free Cotton Imports
India May Extend Duty-Free Cotton Imports Until December 2026; Textile Mills Expect ReliefThe Indian government may extend the period for duty-free cotton imports by two months, until December 31, 2026. According to three government and industry sources, this move could help reduce production costs for textile mills, increase the availability of cotton in the domestic market, and keep prices under control. It is also expected to boost cotton imports from the United States, Brazil, and Australia.India—the world’s second-largest cotton producer after China—had previously waived the 11% import duty on cotton for the period from June 1 to October 31, 2026, to bolster domestic supply. However, domestic prices remain high due to an anticipated lower yield this year. Consequently, the textile industry has been advocating for an extension of this duty exemption.Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the government may soon issue an order regarding this, following discussions among various ministries. Under the proposal, the duty-free import facility could be extended at least until the end of December. However, there has been no official confirmation from the government yet. The Ministries of Finance, Commerce, and Textiles did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Typically, the arrival of the new harvest in October leads to a softening of domestic cotton prices. This year, however, prices remain elevated due to erratic monsoon rainfall and an expected decline in production. According to reports, the price of cotton in the domestic market is currently above ₹9,000 per 100 kilograms, while the Minimum Support Price (MSP) set by the government for the new season is ₹8,717. According to Deepanshi Agarwal, a lead analyst at S&P Global, factors such as a potential decline in domestic production, robust demand from the textile industry, and a falling stock-to-use ratio support extending the period of duty-free imports. This ratio is estimated to be around 31%—the lowest level seen in the past five years. However, increased imports could exert downward pressure on domestic cotton prices.Industry estimates suggest that India’s cotton production in 2026-27 could fall below 29 million bales, while demand is expected to exceed 34 million bales. Productivity may also be impacted by the continued use of older genetically modified (GM) seeds and the threat of pest infestations.Nevertheless, factors such as US cotton futures remaining above 83 cents per pound, rising freight costs, and a weaker rupee could limit large-scale imports.Data from the Ministry of Commerce indicates that India’s cotton imports surged by 63% year-on-year to $1.1 billion during the first six months of the current fiscal year. Chandrima Chatterjee, Secretary General of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, has called for the continued removal of import duties. According to her, this would reduce costs for manufacturers and help the Indian textile industry compete more effectively against rival nations like Vietnam and Bangladesh.read more :- Indian Rupee Falls 26 Paise to Close at 95.19 Against US Dollar.