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CAI cuts 2025-26 cotton import forecast to 47 lakh bales amid higher global prices and weaker rupeeFirm global cotton prices, a weakening rupee and rising freight costs linked to the West Asia conflict have led the Cotton Association of India (CAI) to trim its cotton import projections for the 2025-26 season (ending September) by about 3 lakh bales to 47 lakh bales.The revised estimate is lower than CAI’s earlier projection of 50 lakh bales.According to CAI President Vinay N. Kotak, the upward movement in international cotton prices and the depreciation of the rupee have made imports more expensive. At the same time, domestic cotton prices have stabilised, making Indian cotton relatively cheaper or on par with the replacement cost of imported fibre. Rising freight rates and longer transit times due to the ongoing West Asia war have also discouraged imports.Despite the downward revision, imports for 2025-26 are still expected to be higher than last year’s 41 lakh bales. By the end of February, around 36 lakh bales had already arrived in the country, as mills and traders rushed shipments to take advantage of the duty-free import window that remained in place until the end of December.Looking ahead, CAI believes India’s cotton exports could gain momentum. Kotak noted that a further depreciation of the rupee and a rise in international cotton prices—possibly linked to higher crude oil prices—could improve the competitiveness of Indian cotton in global markets. India’s geographical proximity also provides an advantage for supplying nearby markets such as Bangladesh and China, which may turn to India to meet their immediate requirements.For now, CAI has retained its cotton export estimate for the 2025-26 season at 15 lakh bales. By the end of February, about 7 lakh bales had been shipped overseas.On the production side, CAI has slightly raised its crop estimate by 3.5 lakh bales to 320.5 lakh bales (of 170 kg each), citing better-than-expected output in states such as Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Yields have improved particularly in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, as well as in Karnataka and Telangana.The association has also revised its consumption estimate upward by 10 lakh bales to 315 lakh bales for the 2025-26 season. Cotton consumption until February 2026 is estimated at 131.25 lakh bales.As a result of these adjustments, CAI now projects closing stocks at the end of the 2025-26 season at 98.09 lakh bales—around 9.5 lakh bales lower than its earlier estimate.read more :- Cotton Status Report (as on 28/02/2026)

A SUMMARISE REPORT ON PRESENT COTTON SCENARIO (POSITION AS ON 28/02/2026) (Each bale170 kgs.)▪️Total pressing estimate during crop year 2025-2026 is estimated as 320.50 lakh bales & upto 28-02-2026 total 260.96 lakh bales have been pressed. Considering above till Feb-2026 end total availability of cotton may be assesed as 357.55 lakh bales including import of 36.00 lakh bales and Opening stock of 60.59 lakh bales.▪️Cotton consumption in this cotton season may touch 315 lakh bales and upto 28-02-2026 about 131.25 lakh bales reported as consumed. (SIS)▪️Export upto Feb 2026 end is found total 7.00 lakh bales against estimation  for this season year of 15.00 lakh bales.▪️It is revealed that during current crop  end total 47.00 lakh bales may be imported. Upto 28 Feb 2025 about 36 lakh bales have been arrived at different indian ports. (SIS)▪️Kepping in view the above , total available stock as on 28.02.2026 is calculated to the tune 357.55 lakh bales, consisting of opening stock, total pressing & import. (SIS)▪️As on 28 Feb 2026 stock with the mills is found to the tune of 75.00 lakh bales where as with CCI/MFED MNCS, Ginner , Treaders and Exporters it comes around 144.30 lakh bales.read more :- Target to reach $465 billion market through FTA: Giriraj Singh

Textile sector should scale up to gain from market access of $465 billion via FTAs, says Union Minister Giriraj SinghIndia’s textile sector should scale up production to take advantage of the $465 billion market access created through free trade agreements (FTAs), Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said. He urged the industry to aim for $200 billion in textile exports by expanding its global presence and improving competitiveness.Speaking at the launch of Bharat Tex 2026, Singh emphasised the need for the industry to extend its export cycle. Currently active for around four months in global markets, the sector should work towards sustaining exports for eight months and eventually building a year-round, 12-month export cycle.Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao said the government will organise roadshows both in India and abroad to attract global buyers. She encouraged the industry to diversify into new markets and products while showcasing the strength and quality of Indian textiles.Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, said Bharat Tex 2026 aims to integrate the entire textile value chain. The event will feature a large global exhibition, policy dialogues with more than 50 core sessions and 100 additional discussions, and extensive B2B meetings with international buyers.Singh also stressed the importance of building a complete domestic supply chain for the textile industry. He called for a 24×7 engagement system with global buyers and urged greater domestic manufacturing of sewing machines, noting a sharp rise in their imports in the past decade.The third edition of Bharat Tex will be held from July 14 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event is expected to host over 3,500 exhibitors, more than 7,000 international buyers from over 140 countries, and around 1,30,000 trade visitors, showcasing the entire textile ecosystem from fibres and yarns to garments, technical textiles, and sustainable innovations.read more :- Rupee fell 11 paise to close at 92.45 per dollar

The Indian rupee on Friday lower 11  paise to close at 92.45 per dollar, while it opened at 92.34 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 1,470.50 points or 1.93 percent at 74,563.92, and the Nifty was down 488.05 points or 2.06 percent at 23,151.10. About 899 shares advanced, 3200 shares declined, and 125 shares unchanged.read more :- Bhilwara textile industry affected by West Asia conflict

West Asia Conflict Disrupts Bhilwara Textile Industry; ₹800–₹1000 Crore Exports AffectedBhilwara (Rajasthan): The ongoing West Asia conflict has started impacting the textile industry in Bhilwara, with export orders being delayed and trade disruptions affecting shipments worth an estimated ₹800–₹1000 crore, industry representatives said.Bhilwara, one of India’s major textile hubs hosts hundreds of fabric, spinning, processing, and denim units and provides large-scale employment across the sector.According to R.K. Jain, General Secretary of the Mewar Chamber of Commerce Industrial Organisation, the textile sector in the city is facing mounting pressure due to instability in the Gulf region.He noted that Bhilwara’s textile ecosystem includes over 450 fabric units, more than 20 spinning units, and 21 processing units, with monthly production of around 10 crore meters of cloth and employment for over 2 lakh people directly and indirectly.Export Orders on Hold Amid UncertaintyJain said the conflict has begun affecting export markets, with several orders either delayed or put on hold.“Shipments are either stuck locally, held at ports, or suspended by overseas buyers due to uncertainty,” he said, adding that prolonged instability could further hurt exports.Key Export Markets ImpactedThe Gulf region and Europe are major export destinations for Bhilwara’s textile products. Yarn from Bhilwara is also exported to Bangladesh and European countries, while fabric exports mainly go to Gulf and European markets.Due to ongoing disruptions in trade routes, export movement has slowed significantly, weakening business sentiment among manufacturers.Industry stakeholders warn that if geopolitical tensions persist, the Bhilwara textile sector could face deeper challenges in sustaining export volumes and production stability.read more :- Punjab is getting big investment in textile sector

India's Punjab attracts major investment in textile sector The Punjab Government has secured an investment commitment of around ₹1,550 crore ($168 million) from the JL Oswal Group over the next three years, state industries, commerce and investment promotion minister Sanjeev Arora announced.The investment will span sectors such as digital infrastructure, textiles, industrial parks, hospitality, apparel manufacturing and renewable energy, and is expected to create more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs while strengthening the state’s industrial ecosystem.The investment reflects growing industry confidence in Punjab following the launch of the Punjab Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026, which offers one of the country’s most comprehensive incentive frameworks for investors, Arora said in a press release.The plan also includes ₹450 crore for upgrading and expanding spinning and textile manufacturing facilities to modernise the textile sector and enhance global competitiveness. Another ₹400 crore will be invested in developing logistics parks, industrial parks and supporting infrastructure to strengthen Punjab’s manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem.Additionally, ₹50 crore will be used to establish modern garment manufacturing facilities to boost value-added textile production, while another ₹50 crore will be allocated to solar and sustainable energy projects aimed at supporting green industrial development in the state.Arora said the investment underscores Punjab’s emergence as a preferred destination for industry and innovation, supported by the state government’s investor-friendly policies.read more :- Maharashtra: CCI cotton purchase stopped from tomorrow

Maharashtra: CCI Cotton Procurement: Cotton Procurement to End TomorrowPune: Friday will mark the final day of the CCI's guaranteed-price cotton procurement drive. The CCI had extended the cotton procurement period until March 15. However, due to public holidays, cotton was actually purchased for only six days at most centers during this extended period.Many farmers have been unable to sell their cotton. They are also facing difficulties in booking procurement slots. Consequently, farmers are demanding that the cotton procurement period be extended until March 31. To date, the CCI has procured 10.4 million bales of cotton across the country. This year's procurement volume is 4 percent higher than that of the previous year.Previously, the CCI had set a record in the 2019-20 season by procuring 10.005 million bales. In comparison, 10 million bales were procured during the last season. Once the final figures for this year's procurement are released, it is likely to stand as the highest procurement volume recorded to date.*Highest Procurement in Telangana*Once again this year, Telangana has recorded the highest procurement volume, with 3.17 million bales of cotton purchased. Meanwhile, Maharashtra has procured 2.713 million bales, and Gujarat has procured 2 million bales. Karnataka has procured 700,000 bales; Madhya Pradesh, 555,000 bales; Andhra Pradesh, 400,000 bales; and Rajasthan, 346,000 bales.Similarly, Odisha has procured 270,000 bales; Haryana, 200,000 bales; and Punjab, 47,000 bales of cotton.*CCI Cotton Sales*The CCI began selling its cotton stock as early as January of this year. It has also reduced cotton prices on three separate occasions. So far this season, the CCI has sold 1.735 million bales of cotton. This activity is exerting downward pressure on open market prices.*Procurement Conducted for Only Six Days*The CCI had initially halted cotton procurement on February 27. Subsequently, the procurement period was extended until March 15. However, due to holidays, actual procurement began on March 5. Furthermore, March 7 and 8 were holidays, as they fell on a Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, March 14 and 15 will also be holidays, being a Saturday and Sunday. Therefore, Friday (the 13th) will be the final day for the procurement of cotton at the guaranteed price. During this extended period, actual procurement took place for only six days.read more :- Rupee Opens 15 Paise Lower at 92.34

Rupee Opens 15 Paise Lower at 92.34/USDThe Indian Rupee opened 15 paise lower on Friday at 92.34 against the dollar, whereas it had closed at 92.19 on Thursday.READ MORE :- Cotton will remain the main fibre despite declining share

Despite declining share in the global fiber market, cotton will remain a mainstream fiber.Despite declining share in global fiber consumption, cotton will remain a key and primary fiber in the textile industry. Experts believe that cotton will remain in demand in many applications due to its comfortable, breathable, and natural properties.According to the International Cotton Advisory Council's (ICAC) World Textile Demand Report, cotton's market share in global fiber consumption has fallen below 25 percent in recent years, compared to approximately 40 percent in the early 2000s.According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), despite record consumer demand for clothing and home textiles, potential growth in cotton product imports has been limited. This is primarily due to increasing competition from man-made fiber (MMF) products, particularly exports of MMF products from China.Prabhu Damodaran, convener of the Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF), said that cotton's decline in global fiber share has been gradual and structural. This is due to two primary reasons: the falling cost of synthetic fibers like polyester and the improved performance of alternative fibers like polyester and viscose.According to Ramanuj Das Boob, vice-president of the All India Cotton Brokers Association and a Raichur-based sourcing agent, the problem is not a decline in cotton demand but the rapidly growing demand for competing fibers. He said that the use of blended fabrics containing fibers like polyester, elastane, viscose, and lycra along with cotton is rapidly increasing in the modern textile sector.He said that cotton will remain important in clothing and home textiles, although its growth may be slower than synthetic fibers. Demand for blended yarns is increasing worldwide, and spinners are increasingly producing poly-cotton yarns.Experts believe that increasing per-hectare cotton productivity is crucial for India. Prabhu Damodaran stated that higher productivity would boost farmers' incomes and ensure that cotton prices remain competitive, thereby enabling it to compete effectively with other fibers.Ramanuj Das Boob noted that the demand for Extra Long Staple (ELS), contamination-free, sustainable, and organic cotton is likely to rise in the future, and the premium segment is expected to remain robust.Meanwhile, Anand Popat—a cotton, yarn, and cotton waste trader from Rajkot—observed that cotton prices have surged due to speculative trading in the market, a trend that has adversely impacted the market share of this natural fiber.read more:-  Rupee fell 08 paise to close at 92.19 per dollar

On Thursday, the Indian rupee closed 8 paise lower at 92.19 against the dollar, while it had opened at 92.27 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 829.29 points or 1.08 percent at 76,034.42, and the Nifty was down 227.70 points or 0.95 percent at 23,639.15. About 1653 shares advanced, 2401 shares declined, and 159 shares unchanged.READ MORE :- Giriraj Singh unveiled 'Bharat Tax 2026'

Union Minister Giriraj Singh Unveils ‘Bharat Tex 2026’; Event to be Held in New Delhi in JulyNew Delhi: Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh unveiled ‘Bharat Tex 2026’ on Thursday. Described as India’s largest global textiles event, it reflects India’s growing role in the global textiles economy.Addressing representatives from industry, government, and trade organizations during the event, the Minister stated that Bharat Tex has emerged as a global platform that brings together the entire textiles value chain—ranging from fibers and yarns to fabrics, garments, technical textiles, and sustainable innovations.He added that this event would further strengthen India’s position as a reliable and sustainable sourcing destination for textiles, as well as a key hub for investment. Appreciating the efforts of the Textiles Export Promotion Councils and other industry bodies, the Minister noted that their collaboration has been instrumental in successfully bringing the entire textiles sector together on a single platform.Also present on the occasion were Neelum Shammi Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles; Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary; senior representatives from Export Promotion Councils; and several prominent members of the industry.*Event to be Held from July 14 to 17*‘Bharat Tex 2026’ is scheduled to be held from July 14 to 17, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event is expected to witness the participation of over 3,500 exhibitors, more than 7,000 international buyers from over 140 countries, and approximately 130,000 trade visitors.The event will showcase various segments of the textiles ecosystem—including fibers and yarns, fabrics, garments, home textiles, technical textiles, handicrafts, handlooms, and modern manufacturing technologies. Global Textile Dialogue to be a Key HighlightIn addition to an exhibition, the event will feature knowledge sessions, reverse buyer-seller meets, and policy dialogues. Furthermore, under the ‘Global Textile Dialogue’ initiative, policymakers, global industry experts, and innovators will engage in discussions on topics such as sustainability, ESG standards, Industry 5.0, and technical textiles.‘Bharat Tex 2026’ will be organized by the Bharat Tex Trade Federation (BTTF)—a joint platform comprising 11 Export Promotion Councils and other industry associations associated with the textile sector.BTTF Chairman Naren Goenka and Co-Chairman Bhadresh Dodhia also provided details regarding the various activities scheduled to take place during the fair.read more:-  India surpasses China in cotton exports, becoming the largest supplier to the US