The Cotton Association of India has revised India’s cotton pressing estimate for the 2025-26 crop season upward to 337 lakh bales (170 kg each), reflecting stronger arrivals and improved market assessments. The revised estimate, approved during the CAI Crop Committee meeting held on July 27, 2026, marks an increase of 3 lakh bales from the previous estimate of 334 lakh bales.
The revised estimates were finalized after consultations with representatives from all major cotton-growing states and trade stakeholders. The committee also reviewed the country’s cotton balance sheet up to June 30, 2026, and projected figures through the end of the crop season on September 30, 2026.
Cotton Consumption Revised to 348 Lakh Bales
Based on updated estimates from the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, CAI has increased India’s cotton consumption estimate by 10 lakh bales to 348 lakh bales for the 2025-26 season. This represents a significant increase compared to 319 lakh bales consumed during the previous season, highlighting stronger demand from the domestic textile industry.
Cotton consumption up to June 30, 2026, has been estimated at 261 lakh bales.
Cotton Imports Jump to 60 Lakh Bales
Reflecting increased domestic demand and market dynamics, CAI has raised its cotton import estimate by 13 lakh bales to 60 lakh bales for the ongoing season, compared to the earlier estimate of 47 lakh bales.
Imports are projected to be substantially higher than the previous season’s 41 lakh bales, with approximately 51 lakh bales already estimated to have arrived at Indian ports by the end of June 2026.
Cotton Exports Revised Downward
While imports have increased, CAI has reduced India’s cotton export estimate for 2025-26 by 3 lakh bales, bringing the total projected exports to 15 lakh bales, down from the earlier estimate of 18 lakh bales.
By the end of June 2026, India is estimated to have exported 11.25 lakh bales.
Total Cotton Supply Reaches 452.59 Lakh Bales
India’s total cotton supply for the 2025-26 season is now estimated at 452.59 lakh bales, significantly higher than the 392.59 lakh bales recorded in the previous season.
The total supply comprises:
- Opening stock: 55.59 lakh bales
- Cotton production (pressing): 337 lakh bales
- Imports: 60 lakh bales
The opening stock was revised downward by 5 lakh bales following recommendations from a committee established to reconcile national cotton stock data.
Available Surplus and Closing Stocks Increase
With domestic consumption estimated at 348 lakh bales, India’s available cotton surplus at the end of the season is projected at 104.59 lakh bales, compared to 73.59 lakh bales last year.
CAI has also revised the closing stock estimate upward by 4 lakh bales to 89.59 lakh bales as of September 30, 2026, substantially higher than the previous season’s closing stock of 55.59 lakh bales.
As of June 30, 2026, total cotton stocks are estimated at 162.72 lakh bales, including:
- 94.50 lakh bales with textile mills
- 68.22 lakh bales with CCI, Maharashtra Federation, multinational companies, ginners, traders, and other stakeholders.
The revised estimates indicate a stronger cotton supply outlook for India, supported by higher imports and improved production estimates. At the same time, increased domestic consumption reflects sustained demand from the textile industry, while reduced exports and higher closing stocks suggest greater availability of cotton for the domestic market during the remainder of the season.