India’s cotton imports are expected to reach a record 60 lakh bales in the 2025-26 season ending September, driven by strong demand from textile mills taking advantage of the Government’s temporary 11% import duty exemption, according to the Cotton Association of India (CAI).
The trade body has revised its import estimate upward from 47 lakh bales, marking an increase of 19 lakh bales over the previous season.
CAI said around 51 lakh bales had already arrived at Indian ports by the end of June, indicating that mills have accelerated overseas purchases to secure raw material at lower costs before the duty waiver expires.
The exemption has significantly improved import parity, encouraging mills to source foreign cotton amid rising domestic consumption.
The surge in imports reflects a shift in India’s cotton trade dynamics, with more fibre being absorbed by the domestic textile industry. Alongside higher imports, CAI has lowered its cotton export projection for the current season to 15 lakh bales from an earlier estimate of 18 lakh bales, indicating that a larger share of available cotton is being retained for domestic use.
The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has also revised the country’s cotton consumption estimate upward to 348 lakh bales for the season, supported by improved mill activity. Total cotton supply for 2025-26, including opening stocks, domestic production and imports, is estimated at 452.59 lakh bales.
Industry experts believe the record import volume will help ease raw material costs for textile manufacturers in the short term, although greater dependence on overseas cotton could expose the sector to global price fluctuations, exchange rate movements and future policy changes. The record imports also reinforce India’s position as a major global cotton buyer during the current season.
