CAI Raises India’s Cotton Pressing Estimate For 2025–26 Season To 317 Lakh Bales

New Delhi, Jan 15 (KNN) The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has raised its estimate of the country’s total cotton pressing for the 2025–26 season to 317 lakh bales, with a margin of error of plus or minus three per cent. The cotton season began on October 1, 2025.

The revised projection is 7.5 lakh bales higher than the earlier estimate of 309.5 lakh bales. The decision was taken at a virtual meeting of the CAI Crop Committee on January 13, 2026, attended by representatives from major cotton-growing regions.

State-wise Changes in Output

Based on inputs from 11 state cotton associations and trade sources, CAI revised pressing estimates across states. Telangana saw the largest upward revision of 4.5 lakh bales, followed by Maharashtra with an increase of 3 lakh bales. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu recorded marginal gains, while estimates for Madhya Pradesh and Odisha were reduced.

CAI said it will continue to track pressing trends and revise estimates in its monthly updates, if needed.

Lower Domestic Consumption

India’s cotton consumption for the 2025–26 season is estimated at 305 lakh bales, lower than 314 lakh bales in the previous season. Consumption up to December 31, 2025, is placed at 76.25 lakh bales.

Imports Steady, Exports Cut

Cotton imports for the current season have been kept unchanged at 50 lakh bales, higher than the 41 lakh bales imported last year. By the end of December 2025, about 31 lakh bales had arrived in the country.

In contrast, CAI has lowered its export estimate to 15 lakh bales for the season, compared with 18 lakh bales exported in 2024–25. Exports up to December-end are estimated at around 4.5 lakh bales.

Supply, Availability and Stocks

Total cotton supply for the 2025–26 season is estimated at 427.59 lakh bales, up from 392.59 lakh bales a year earlier. This includes opening stocks of 60.59 lakh bales, current season pressing of 317 lakh bales and imports of 50 lakh bales.

Total availability up to December 31, 2025, is estimated at 246.78 lakh bales.

Higher Surplus and Closing Stock

The surplus at the end of the 2025–26 season is projected at 122.59 lakh bales, significantly higher than last year’s 78.59 lakh bales. Closing stocks as of September 30, 2026, are estimated at 107.59 lakh bales, compared with 60.59 lakh bales at the end of the previous season.

As of December 31, 2025, closing stocks are estimated at 166.03 lakh bales, held across textile mills, government agencies, ginners, traders and other market participants.

(KNN Bureau)