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Oil, Textiles & More: The Cost India May Pay for the Iran–Israel WarThe escalating conflict between Israel and Iran is beginning to impact India’s economy, with rising household prices and growing pressure on exporters. Disruptions in shipping lanes and air routes across West Asia are pushing up logistics costs, delaying deliveries, and unsettling commodity markets.Prices of staples such as pulses and onions have started climbing as supply chains face uncertainty. Exporters of rice, textiles, gems, electronics, and IT services are also reporting higher freight rates and longer transit times.In 2025, India exported goods worth $1.2 billion to Iran, including rice ($747 million), bananas ($61 million), and tea ($51 million). Imports from Iran comprised petroleum coke ($135.7 million), apples ($71.5 million), and dates ($33.3 million).Textile exports hit by shipping delays :-India’s garment and textile sector is among the first to feel the heat, as vessels avoid the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for trade between Asia and the West. Ships headed to Europe and the US may now take the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, extending delivery times by up to 25 days.“We will face delays in shipments going to Europe and the USA as the shipping routes would now avoid the Gulf region,” said Vijay Agarwal, chairman of the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council. “It’s going to hurt us as we are in the fashion business, which is very time-sensitive.”In Tiruppur, which accounts for over 40% of India’s knitted garment exports, manufacturers fear missed deadlines and tighter cash flows. “Some April orders have been shipped, while others are still being produced. Any delay has financial implications,” said Raja M. Shanmugham, former president of the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association.“Even Dubai is an important transit hub,” added K. M. Subramaniam, current president of the association. “If airspace there closes, exports could be severely disrupted.”Oil shock raises fiscal concerns :-Crude oil prices surged after US–Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, with Brent crude hitting $82.37 per barrel on Monday — the highest since January 2025. Nearly 20% of global oil trade and 40% of India’s crude imports move through the Strait of Hormuz.“For India, each $1 increase in crude adds roughly $2 billion to the annual import bill,” said JM Financial in a note. Sustained high oil prices could raise petrol, diesel, and LPG costs, strain public finances, and widen the fiscal deficit.HDFC Bank warned that higher oil prices may also weaken the rupee and expand the current account deficit. India’s strategic oil reserves cover around 74 days of demand, but analysts caution that if tensions persist, Brent could rise to between $90 and $110 per barrel.Broader impact :-The Iran–Israel conflict underscores India’s vulnerability to instability in West Asia — a region critical for both energy and exports. From household groceries to high-value shipments, the economic shock could deepen if the crisis escalates further.read more :- Rupee fell 22 paise to close at 91.47 per dollar

The Indian rupee on Monday lower 22  paise to close at 91.47 per dollar, while it opened at 91.25 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 1,048.34 points or 1.29 percent at 80,238.85, and the Nifty was down 312.95 points or 1.24 percent at 24,865.70. About 820 shares advanced, 3386 shares declined, and 130 shares unchanged.read more :- Cotton yarn prices fall 2% due to RoDTEP cut in India

Cotton yarn prices in India fell by 2% after RoDTEP cut.India’s cotton yarn market has weakened after the recent reduction in benefits under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products scheme. Export rebates for cotton yarn have been reduced from around 3.4% of FOB value to 1.7%. The 50% cut has immediately narrowed exporter margins.India cotton yarn prices fall up to 2% after RoDTEP cut squeezes export marginsSouth India, which accounts for nearly 60% of India’s spinning capacity, has seen slower trade over the past week. In key hubs such as Coimbatore and Tiruppur, traders report that yarn prices have declined by ₹2 to ₹5 per kilogram across several commonly traded counts.In Mumbai, prices of 30 count carded cotton yarn fell by about ₹3 per kilogram,while 40 count combed yarn dropped by around ₹4 per kilogram compared with the previous week of February 2026. Overall, spot yarn prices corrected by 1% to 2% in the short term.India’s cotton yarn exports reached about $3.77 billion in FY2023–24, according to Texprocil trade statistics. A 1.7% reduction in export rebates could cut about $60 million from industry earnings each year. Since most mills work with profit margins of only 3% to 5%, this loss is very significant.Domestic demand has also remained cautious. Fabric and garment units have adequate inventory and are not placing aggressive fresh orders. Capacity utilization in several spinning units has reportedly slipped to 75% to 80%, compared with over 85% during stronger export cycles.The competitiveness gap is a growing concern. Competing producers in Bangladesh and Vietnam continue to benefit from stable export support structures and trade advantages. Even a 1% pricing difference can influence sourcing decisions in large volume contracts.Industry associations have appealed to the Government of India to review the revised rates. They argue that the spinning sector supports more than 50 million jobs across the textile value chain and contributes substantially to rural employment and cotton procurement.In the near term, price recovery will depend on three variables. These include clarity on export incentives, stability in domestic cotton prices, and improvement in global apparel demand. Until then, Indian yarn markets are expected to remain soft with limited upward momentum.read more :- US cotton acreage at lowest level in decade in 2026: CoBank

US cotton acreage seen falling to a decade low in 2026: CoBankU.S. cotton planting area is projected to decline for the second consecutive year in 2026, with acreage expected to fall by 9 million acres, down 3 percent year over year and the lowest level in more than a decade, according to CoBank analysis. This approach reflects lower price competitiveness compared to alternative crops and changes in grower economics ahead of spring planting decisions.Sectoral changes are expected to fuel the contraction. Cotton acreage in the southern United States is expected to shift toward soybeans amid improved profitability prospects, while irrigated cotton areas in the Plains are likely to shift toward corn production as producers rebalance crop rotations and manage input cost pressures, Cobank said in an article by Tanner Ehmke and Emmy Noyes.The slowing pace of U.S. cotton exports to China, increased competition from Brazil and Australia in global markets, and continued replacement by man-made fibers have collectively hindered price recovery, limiting producers' willingness to expand cotton acreage.Despite the projected decline, some degree of support is expected from the policy mechanism. Adjustments to base acreage payments under agricultural support programs are likely to moderate, helping to stabilize cotton plantings and prevent a sharp contraction in the 2026 season.read more :- India-EU FTA: 5-year MFN agreement

EU, India agree on 5-year MFN status under proposed FTA The European Union (EU) and India have agreed to grant each other the ‘most favoured nation’ (MFN) status for five years from the date their planned free trade agreement (FTA) comes into force, according to a draft of the deal released recently by the Indian commerce ministry.This implies neither side can give more favourable tariff terms to other trading partners for five years.Both sides announced on January 27 that talks on the FTA had concluded. The pact will allow 93 per cent of Indian exports to enter the EU duty free.The agreement also contains an annexure that provides for mediation, allowing disputes to be resolved through a fast-track process with the help of a mutually agreed mediator.The two sides have agreed not to introduce new import or export curbs beyond what is allowed under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. They agreed to step up cooperation in digital trade, agreeing to reduce unjustified barriers and supporting an open and secure online space..The draft text sets out plans for closer customs cooperation and quicker clearance of goods. These commitments will become binding after ratification.The two sides will start sharing annual import data one year after the deal takes effect. They have also agreed to provide fair and accessible appeal processes for customs decisions related to imports, exports or goods in transit.read more :- The rupee fell 28 paise to open at 91.25.

The rupee fell 28 paise to open at 91.25/USD.The Indian rupee opened 28 paise lower at 91.25 against the US dollar on Monday, compared to its closing level of 90.97 on Friday.READ MORE :- State-wise Cotton Corporation of India Cotton Sales – 2025-26

💥State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2025-26 Season💥The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) reduced its cotton prices for the 2025-26 season by ₹700–₹1,100 per candy this week, significantly boosting CCI's sales volume. However, on February 26, CCI increased its cotton sales prices by ₹100 per candy. To date, CCI has sold approximately 12,58,100 cotton bales for the 2025-26 season.

Madhya Pradesh invites investment in textile sector from Rajasthan Chief Minister of India’s Madhya Pradesh (MP) state Mohan Yadav recently invited investors from neighbouring Rajasthan state to further develop the former’s textile industry.He was addressing local investors, business leaders, industrialists and representatives of various industrial organisations at a session on investment opportunities in MP held in the textile city of Bhilwara in Rajasthan.Drawing inspiration from Bhilwara’s rich textile heritage, Madhya Pradesh seeks to explore multiple opportunities and build a long-term partnership with a progressing Rajasthan, an official release from the MP government said.Yadav, who has personally taken charge of the state’s industries department, said incentives are being provided to investors, and significant concessions are being offered for major investment proposals.The foundation stone for the country’s first and largest PM MITRA Park in the textile sector has already been laid in MP.Secretary of the Mewar Chamber of Commerce RK Jain urged Yadav to establish a technical textile park in the bordering Neemuch district.read more:-  Cotton arrivals in Morbi break records

Record breaking cotton revenue in Morbi (Gujarat) yard: 10 lakh maunds of cotton received in 5 monthsCompared to last year, revenue increased by 1.50 lakh maunds due to higher sowing, although the price decreased by Rs 30 to 35 per maund.Morbi: Due to higher sowing of cotton than groundnut in Morbi district in the last Kharif season, the marketing yard received 10 lakh maunds of cotton in the last 5 months. Which, according to the official data of Marketing Yard, is 1.50 lakh maunds more than last year. It is important to note that despite record sowing of cotton in the Kharif season, farmers got an average price of Rs 30 to 35 per maund lower than last year.According to the information received, maximum cotton was planted in Morbi district in the Kharif season of 2025-26. Due to timely rains in the Kharif season, farmers had a very good cotton crop. But, due to unseasonal rains after Diwali, farmers' cotton crop got spoiled. Despite this, the hard work of the farmers paid off and this year the farmers produced 1.50 lakh maunds more cotton than last year.In the year 2024-25, the total cotton production in the district was 1,68,321 maunds. In contrast, in the Kharif season of 2025-26, farmers had sold 2,03,511 maunds of cotton for sale in the marketing yard. It is noteworthy that last year farmers got an average price of Rs 1416 for cotton. In comparison, this year farmers got an average price of Rs 1385, down by Rs 30 to 35.read more:-   CCI records cotton purchase in Sankheda

Record Cotton Procurement in Gujarat’s Sankheda: CCI Buys Produce Worth ₹685 CroreSankheda (Gujarat): A major milestone has been achieved in the agriculture sector of Sankheda taluka, where the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) recorded a significant cotton procurement during the 2025–26 season. Despite challenges such as unseasonal rains and adverse weather, cotton worth nearly ₹685 crore was directly purchased from farmers.The procurement drive, which started in December at Handod and Kalediya centres, concluded on February 27. This season, CCI offered a higher Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹8,060 per quintal, attracting a large number of farmers not only from Chhota Udaipur district but also from neighbouring Narmada and Vadodara districts.As per official figures, around 8.50 lakh quintals of cotton were procured at these two centres, marking a notable increase from last year’s 7.81 lakh quintals—an addition of nearly 70,000 quintals.While farmers welcomed the higher MSP, concerns were raised regarding crop losses due to untimely rainfall and initial difficulties with the newly introduced digital registration system. For the first time, CCI implemented a mobile app-based registration process aimed at improving transparency and efficiency.Although farmers initially found the system challenging due to document uploads and digital procedures, it ensured direct payment transfers into bank accounts, minimizing delays and eliminating middlemen.Despite weather-related setbacks affecting crop quality and yield, overall procurement has surpassed last year’s levels. The infusion of ₹685 crore into the rural economy is expected to boost local trade, liquidity, and employment in the region.read more:-  Relief to farmers: Procurement till March 15

Cotton procurement date extended: Cotton procurement date extended till March 15; Important decision of CCI for farmersPune News: CCI has finally extended 15 days for the purchase of cotton under guarantee. Cotton procurement in the state will now be done with guaranteed price till March 15. Therefore, CCI has appealed to the cotton producers to book their slots and sell cotton at a guaranteed price.Cotton Corporation of India i.e. CCI had decided to stop purchasing cotton with guarantee from Friday (27th). But farmers were still demanding extension of time as there was still a large amount of cotton left. State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also written a letter to Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh demanding extension of time till April 30.But till the evening of 27 February, no decision was taken regarding cotton expansion. Therefore, various types of discussions continued in the market throughout the day. There was confusion among the farmers also. Farmers in many areas are saying that they still have up to 30 percent cotton left. There was a fear that these farmers would face problems due to this. But this evening a decision was taken to extend the deadline. So farmers will get relief.CCI President Lalit Kumar Gupta said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had requested Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh to extend the deadline for cotton procurement. Farmers were also demanding extension. Accordingly, Textiles Minister Singh, keeping in mind the demand of the Chief Minister, has extended the deadline for cotton procurement in the interest of farmers.guarantee requiredCotton prices in the domestic market have declined since CCI started selling them. The price has come down from Rs 8,500 and at present the average price of cotton in the market is between Rs 7,300 to Rs 7,700. So the guaranteed price of cotton is Rs 8 thousand 110. The price has been reduced by Rs 800 from the guaranteed price. On one hand CCI is reducing the price by selling cotton at lower prices. Therefore the basis of guarantee is necessary. Farmers need the option to sell cotton at a minimum guaranteed price.25 lakh bales purchased in the stateSince the price of cotton was low from the beginning, this year also CCI's purchase got a good response from the farmers. CCI has so far purchased 102 lakh bales of cotton in the country. Out of this, 25 lakh 50 thousand bales of cotton were purchased in Maharashtra. CCI has informed that 31 lakh bales have been purchased in Telangana. There is a possibility that as time progresses, purchases in the state will increase.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had requested Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh to extend the deadline for cotton procurement. Keeping in mind the demand of the Chief Minister and the interest of the farmers, the Union Minister has extended the deadline for cotton purchase till March 15.Lalit Kumar Gupta, Chairman, CCIread more:-   Cotton target raised despite labour shortage