India’s Cotton Imports Jump to 6-Year High, Brazil Emerges Top Supplier

Cotton Import Surge: Brazil Leads as India Imports Rise, Exports Hit Multi-Year Low

Cotton imports in India are witnessing a sharp rise this season, driven by lower domestic production and cheaper prices in the international market. In the first eight months of the 2024–25 season, the country has imported around 27 lakh bales of cotton—the highest level in the past six years.

Interestingly, Brazil has emerged as the top supplier this year, overtaking traditional exporters like the United States and Australia. The continued softness in global cotton prices has encouraged Indian importers to increase purchases, and industry experts believe imports may rise further in the coming months.

India, traditionally a major cotton exporter, is now facing a shift in trade dynamics. A decline in domestic production—now at its lowest in several years—combined with steady consumption has forced the country to rely more on imports to meet demand. While domestic demand has supported prices to some extent, global price weakness continues to exert pressure on the market.

Between October 2024 and May 2025, India recorded its highest cotton imports in six years. In comparison, imports stood at 15 lakh bales in 2023–24 and 14 lakh bales in 2022–23. The last time imports were significantly higher was in 2018–19, when they reached 35 lakh bales.

At the same time, cotton exports have dropped sharply, touching their lowest level in 18 years. So far this season, only 13 lakh bales have been exported, compared to the previous lowest of 23 lakh bales in 2008–09. Exporters remain pessimistic about any major recovery in shipments this year.

Country-wise import data shows that Brazil accounted for the highest share, with around 6.5 lakh bales imported so far. This is followed by the United States (5.5 lakh bales), Australia (5 lakh bales), Mali (1.79 lakh bales), and Egypt (83,000 bales). Lower prices in these countries compared to India have been the key factor driving imports.

Cotton Imports Trend (in lakh bales):
2024–25* — 27
2023–24 — 15
2022–23 — 14
2021–22 — 21
2020–21 — 11
2019–20 — 15.5

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