Cotton Association of India Raises 2025-26 Cotton Pressing Estimate To 339 Lakh Bales

New Delhi, Aug 12 (KNN) The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has raised its estimate for India’s total cotton pressing for the 2025-26 season to 339 lakh bales of 170 kg each, up from 337 lakh bales estimated earlier. 

The revised estimate, released after the CAI Crop Committee meeting on August 10, represents an increase of 2 lakh bales.

The revised estimate reflects higher projections for cotton pressing in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, partly offset by changes in the estimates for Upper and Lower Rajasthan.

Cotton Consumption Held at 348 Lakh Bales

CAI has retained its estimate of domestic cotton consumption for the 2025-26 season at 348 lakh bales, compared with 319 lakh bales in the previous season. By July 31, consumption was estimated at 290 lakh bales.

The association has also maintained its cotton export estimate at 15 lakh bales for the season, down from 18 lakh bales in the previous year. Exports stood at around 12.25 lakh bales as of July 31.

Cotton Imports Estimate Raised

CAI has increased its estimate of cotton imports for the current season to 62 lakh bales from 60 lakh bales previously. The revised estimate is also significantly higher than the 41 lakh bales estimated for the previous season.

Around 54 lakh bales had arrived at Indian ports by July 31, according to the association.

Total Supply and Surplus Expected to Rise

Total cotton supply for the 2025-26 season is estimated at 456.59 lakh bales, comprising an opening stock of 55.59 lakh bales, cotton pressing of 339 lakh bales and imports of 62 lakh bales. This compares with an estimated supply of 392.59 lakh bales in the previous season.

With domestic demand projected at 348 lakh bales, the available surplus is expected to reach 108.59 lakh bales by the end of the season on September 30, compared with 73.59 lakh bales a year earlier.

Closing Stock Seen at 93.59 Lakh Bales

CAI has raised its estimate of closing cotton stock at the end of September 2026 to 93.59 lakh bales, from 89.59 lakh bales estimated earlier. The projected closing stock is 38 lakh bales higher than the 55.59 lakh bales recorded at the end of the previous season.

As of July 31, closing stock was estimated at 140.24 lakh bales. Of this, 87 lakh bales were held by textile mills, while 53.24 lakh bales were with the Cotton Corporation of India, Maharashtra Federation, multinational companies, ginners and traders, including cotton sold but not yet delivered.

(KNN Bureau)