CAI raises India’s 2025-26 cotton pressing outlook to 309.50 lakh bales

Revised estimate reflects higher output in key producing States.

The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has revised its cotton pressing estimate for the 2025-26 season to 309.50 lakh bales of 170 kg each, marking an upward revision of 4.50 lakh bales from the previous estimate. The season, which commenced on 1 October 2025, is now projected to deliver the equivalent of 324.78 lakh running bales of 162 kg each, with a possible variation of ±3 per cent. The updated figure is based on the latest inputs from 11 cotton-growing State associations and trade participants.

For November 2025, total cotton supply is pegged at 148.37 lakh bales, comprising 69.78 lakh bales of pressing, imports of 18 lakh bales, and opening stock of 60.59 lakh bales. Monthly consumption is estimated at 48.40 lakh bales, while export shipments reached 3 lakh bales by 30 November. Closing stock for the month stands at 96.97 lakh bales, with 50 lakh bales held by textile mills and the rest with CCI, Maharashtra Federation and private entities, including cotton sold but pending delivery.

Across the full season, total supply up to 30 September 2026 is forecast at 420.09 lakh bales, higher than last year’s 392.59 lakh bales. The projection includes opening stock of 60.59 lakh bales, pressing of 309.50 lakh bales, and higher imports of 50 lakh bales—an increase of 9 lakh bales over the previous year. Domestic consumption is estimated at 295 lakh bales for the season, while exports are forecast at 18 lakh bales, unchanged from last year.

The CAI Crop Committee, which met on 5 December, noted that upward revisions in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka outweighed a decline in Telangana, resulting in a net increase of 4.50 lakh bales. Imports and exports have also been revised upward. Closing stock for 2025-26 is now estimated at 107.09 lakh bales, significantly higher than the previous year’s closing level.