India’s Cotton Imports Likely to Reach Record 60 Lakh Bales in 2025-26
India’s cotton imports are projected to climb to a record 60 lakh bales in the 2025-26 marketing season ending September, as textile mills continue to ramp up overseas purchases to benefit from the Government’s temporary 11% import duty exemption, according to the Cotton Association of India (CAI).
The industry body has raised its import forecast from 47 lakh bales to 60 lakh bales, representing an increase of 19 lakh bales compared to the previous season.
CAI reported that nearly 51 lakh bales had already reached Indian ports by the end of June, reflecting strong buying activity by textile mills seeking to secure raw material at competitive prices before the import duty waiver comes to an end.
The temporary duty exemption has improved the cost competitiveness of imported cotton, prompting mills to increase overseas sourcing amid rising domestic demand for fibre.
The higher import volumes also signal a shift in India’s cotton trade, with a larger share of available cotton being consumed by the domestic textile industry. As a result, CAI has reduced its cotton export estimate for the current season to 15 lakh bales, down from the earlier projection of 18 lakh bales.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has revised the country’s cotton consumption estimate upward to 348 lakh bales, supported by stronger mill activity and improving demand. Total cotton availability for the 2025-26 season, including opening stocks, domestic production and imports, is estimated at 452.59 lakh bales.
Industry experts believe the record level of imports will help ease raw material costs for textile manufacturers in the near term, enhancing production competitiveness. However, they caution that increased reliance on imported cotton could expose the industry to global price volatility, currency fluctuations and future policy changes.
The expected surge in imports further strengthens India’s position as one of the world’s largest cotton buyers while supporting the growing needs of its textile manufacturing sector.