Cotton up on rising demand from apparel industries and robust export orders
By DHEERAJ GUPTA 2024-12-31 12:23:07
Cotton up on strong export orders and growing demand from the clothing sectors
Cotton candy prices rose 0.04% to close at ₹54,160, enabled by rising cotton yarn demand from apparel industries and robust export orders. However, domestic cotton arrivals in the north Indian states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan have declined by 43% year-on-year till November 30, 2024, impacting the supply chain. Farmers are reportedly holding back kapas (un-ginned cotton) in anticipation of better prices, leading to a shortage of raw material for ginners and spinners.
India's cotton production for the 2024-25 season is estimated at 302.25 lakh bales of 170 kg each, while imports are expected to rise to 25 lakh bales, a significant increase from the previous season. As of November 30, 9 lakh bales had already arrived at Indian ports. The ending stocks for September 2025 are estimated at 26.44 lakh bales, down from 30.19 lakh bales last year. Globally, cotton production for 2024/25 is estimated at 117.4 million bales, led by higher production in India, Argentina and Brazil. Consumption is estimated to increase by 570,000 bales, with rising demand in India, Pakistan and Vietnam offsetting the decline in China. World ending stocks have increased by 267,000 bales, while opening stocks have decreased by 428,000 bales.
Technically, short covering was witnessed in the cotton candy market, with open interest falling 0.27% to 367 contracts. Prices found support at ₹53,260, with a possible decline to ₹52,350. Resistance is likely at Rs 55,540, and a breakout above this level could test Rs 56,910, supported by improving demand and mixed supply dynamics