Amidst strong demand, CCI sold more than half of the cotton in 2025-26, prices continuously increased
Despite rising prices, state-run Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has sold more than half of the cotton it purchased in the 2025-26 season due to strong demand from mills and traders.
CCI procured 105 lakh bales (170 kg each) of cotton this season, up from 100.16 lakh bales last year. According to Chairman and Managing Director Lalit Kumar Gupta, more than 55 lakh bales of cotton had been sold till Monday. He said the steady offtake in the last two months reflects strong demand from mills and traders, even as global prices have risen.
On Tuesday, CCI increased the selling price of cotton by ₹200 per candy (356 kg), taking the total increase this week to ₹800. Last week also the prices were increased by ₹1,500 per candy. Overall, prices have increased by more than ₹6,000 this season.
Gupta said that from a low of around ₹55,000 per candy, the current prices have reached around ₹61,000 per candy. Despite this, he said CCI's prices are still the most competitive compared to the global market.
International cotton prices have increased by more than 25 percent, while domestic prices have increased by 15-20 percent. Despite this, domestic rates are still 2-3 per cent lower than global prices, which are around ₹63,500-64,000 per candy.
CCI's price revisions are in line with global market trends. International prices have registered an increase of about 30 percent since the beginning of March. Cotton futures on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) rose from about 62 cents a pound in early March to above 80 cents, hitting around 81 cents a pound for July delivery on Tuesday.
Despite continuous price increases, CCI sales remain strong and its stock has come down to below 50 lakh bales. According to Gupta, demand from mills is still strong and yarn orders are booked for the next 3-4 months, hence mills will continue to procure as per their requirements.
