Cotlook Index: 17-07-2026
88.40 (-2.25)
CCI Raises Cotton Candy Prices by ₹800, Weekly Auctions Reach 3.18 Lakh Bales
Sat. 18th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
CCI Increases Cotton Candy Prices by ₹800 as Weekly Auctions Touch 3.18 Lakh Bales
The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) increased its cotton selling prices by ₹800 per candy during the week ended July 17, 2026. Strong participation from textile mills and cotton traders was witnessed in the auctions, resulting in total weekly sales of about 3,18,000 bales from the 2025–26 crop season.
The week began on a strong note, with the highest auction sales of 1,31,100 bales. Mills purchased 48,500 bales, while traders lifted 82,600 bales.
CCI auction sales stood at 1,13,600 bales. Mills purchased 44,200 bales, while traders lifted 69,400 bales.
Auction activity moderated, with total sales of 29,100 bales. Mills bought 15,600 bales, while traders purchased 13,500 bales.
CCI recorded total sales of 40,700 bales during the day. Mills purchased 6,100 bales, while traders lifted 34,600 bales.
The week ended with the sales of 3,500 bales. Mills purchased 1,500 bales, while traders bought 2,000 bales.
With the latest auctions, CCI's cumulative cotton sales for the 2025–26 season have reached 85,04,800 bales.
Maharashtra's Digras Spinning Mill Exports First Cotton Yarn Shipment to China
Sat. 18th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Maharashtra: Digras Spinning Mill Ships First Cotton Yarn to China; Vidarbha’s Cotton Industry Gains Global Recognition
The 'Ramdas Athawale Backward Class Cotton Growers Cooperative Spinning Mill' in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region has entered the international market by making its first export of cotton yarn to China. The first container was dispatched via sea route after the high-quality yarn produced at this Digras-based cooperative spinning mill gained acceptance in the Chinese market. This is being hailed as a significant milestone for Vidarbha's cotton processing industry and local farmers.
Registered in 2019, the cooperative spinning mill commenced commercial production in 2025. In a short span, it has established itself among the state's leading cooperative spinning mills through the production of high-quality yarn. The organization claims to be the first among cooperative spinning mills registered in the last decade to successfully launch production and mark its presence in the market.
Prior to the export, a team of Chinese experts conducted detailed technical tests on the yarn produced at the mill. Approval for export to the Chinese market was granted only after the product met all international standards. Mill Founder-Chairman Milind Mankar stated that the yarn produced in Digras is now attracting demand from other countries as well, indicating a potential increase in exports in the future.
According to Mill Chairman Mahendra Mankar, the production of international-quality yarn is made possible by modern automated machinery, an experienced technical team, efficient management, and the hard work of the staff. He noted that the project was successfully completed and production launched despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project was realized with the support of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, and Guardian Minister Sanjay Rathod. A formal puja (ceremony) was held at the mill premises before dispatching the first export container, attended by the board of directors, officials, and staff.
The mill has produced approximately 5,500 tonnes of cotton yarn over the past 18 months. It has an approved capacity of 25,000 spindles, of which 16,500 are currently operational. The mill is producing 10 to 12 tonnes of yarn daily. The management believes that this initial export to China will pave the way for access to new international markets in the future, yielding long-term benefits for both the cotton-growing farmers of Vidarbha and the region's textile industry.
Gujarat–Maharashtra Farmers Fear Cotton Crop Damage Amid Delayed Rain
Sat. 18th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Gujarat–Maharashtra: Delayed Rain Threatens Cotton Crop; Farmers Face Risk of Re-sowing
Cotton farmers in the Segva-Simli village of Bodeli Taluka (Chhota Udepur district, Gujarat) and Shevgaon Taluka (Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra) are increasingly concerned due to the lack of timely rainfall. Farmers had completed sowing after the initial rains, and the plants had already sprouted. However, the absence of rain over the past several days has led to a depletion of soil moisture, raising fears that crop growth will be stunted.
Cotton is a major Kharif crop in both regions, supporting a large number of farmers. They have invested significant amounts in seeds, fertilizers, labor, and land preparation. While they had anticipated the monsoon would progress on schedule, the current dry spell has heightened their anxiety. Prolonged dry weather is slowing the growth of cotton plants in many fields, with some plants even showing signs of wilting and drying up.
In Maharashtra's Shevgaon Taluka, the lack of rain for the past 15 days has raised fears of having to re-sow the crop. Farmer Yalappa Kusalkar stated that he had invested heavily in cultivating cotton on three acres, but the crop is suffering due to the lack of rain. He noted that if it does not rain soon, farmers will face the additional burden of purchasing seeds and other agricultural inputs all over again. Farmers in Gujarat's Segva-Simli and surrounding areas emphasize that adequate soil moisture is crucial for the early stages of cotton growth. Further delays in rainfall could halt plant development and necessitate re-sowing in some fields. This would not only increase costs for farmers but could also adversely affect overall production.
Agricultural experts have advised farmers to monitor their fields regularly and adjust their farming practices according to weather conditions. They suggest that if sufficient rainfall occurs soon, the cotton crop can still be saved from damage. However, a prolonged delay in rainfall could increase the likelihood of reduced production and financial losses.
Currently, cotton farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra are awaiting good monsoon rains so that their crops can receive the necessary moisture and their hard work can yield successful results.
India's Cotton Acreage Falls Nearly 15% as Sowing Slows in Gujarat, Maharashtra
Sat. 18th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
India's cotton acreage drops by nearly 15% due to slow sowing in Gujarat and Maharashtra
Cotton sowing in India during the initial phase of the 2026 Kharif season is lagging significantly behind last year's figures. The pace of sowing in major cotton-producing states has been affected by a delayed monsoon and regional weather conditions. As of July 10, 2026, cotton sowing was recorded across 79.55 lakh hectares nationwide, compared to 93.95 lakh hectares during the same period last year. Consequently, the cotton acreage has declined by 14.41 lakh hectares, or approximately 15.3%.
The sharpest declines in sowing have been observed in key cotton-producing states like Gujarat and Maharashtra. In Maharashtra, cotton has been sown across 30.07 lakh hectares so far this season, a decrease of 5.39 lakh hectares from the previous year's 35.46 lakh hectares. Sowing activities by farmers in major cotton-growing regions such as Vidarbha and Marathwada have been hampered by delayed rainfall.
The decline was even more pronounced in Gujarat. The state's cotton acreage fell from 17.11 lakh hectares last year to 9.32 lakh hectares, marking a reduction of 7.79 lakh hectares. Together, Gujarat and Maharashtra account for a reduction of approximately 13.2 lakh hectares in the country's total cotton acreage.
In contrast, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have witnessed an improvement in cotton sowing. Telangana's cotton acreage has risen by 1.96 lakh hectares to reach 15.96 lakh hectares compared to last year. Good rainfall and the timely commencement of agricultural operations have accelerated sowing in the state. Andhra Pradesh has also seen its cotton acreage increase by 0.78 lakh hectares, reaching 2.40 lakh hectares.
Sowing in other major cotton-producing states remains below last year's levels. A decline in acreage has been recorded: 1.28 lakh hectares in Rajasthan, 0.90 lakh hectares in Haryana, 0.66 lakh hectares in Odisha, 0.59 lakh hectares in Karnataka, and 0.43 lakh hectares in Punjab. Cotton acreage remained largely stable in Madhya Pradesh, while Tamil Nadu also saw no significant change compared to the previous year.
The national target for cotton acreage for the 2026 Kharif season has been set at 116.12 lakh hectares; however, sowing had covered only 79.55 lakh hectares by July 10. Since cotton sowing continues through July and into early August, there remains a possibility of an increase in acreage in the coming weeks, aided by a favorable monsoon.
If the shortfall in sowing persists, the availability of raw cotton in the upcoming marketing season could be affected. This could impact the domestic textile industry, cotton exports, and fiber prices. As global cotton markets remain sensitive to weather-related supply risks, the market will closely monitor India's production situation.
Karnataka Monsoon Deficit Threatens Kharif Crops, Food Security
Sat. 18th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
The Challenge of Shielding Karnataka's Agriculture from Monsoon Uncertainty
A severe monsoon deficit has created a crisis for farmers in Karnataka, the impact of which could be felt at the national level. By the first week of July, the sowing of Kharif crops had reached only one third of the targeted area. During this agricultural season spanning June to October farmers typically cultivate cereals like paddy, maize, ragi, jowar, and bajra; pulses such as tur (pigeon pea); oilseeds like groundnut, sunflower, soybean, and niger seed; and cash crops such as cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, and red chili.
Production of these crops relies heavily on the monsoon. After Rajasthan, Karnataka has the country's largest dryland farming area, with approximately 8.479 million hectares of agricultural land dependent on rainfall. Consequently, any shortfall in rain directly impacts agricultural output. This year, a significant rainfall deficit has been recorded due to the El Niño effect. Rainfall deficits of 34 percent, 30 percent, 24 percent, and 18 percent have been recorded in the Malnad region, coastal Karnataka, North Interior Karnataka, and South Interior Karnataka, respectively.
The impact of this crisis will not be limited to Karnataka alone. The state is a major producer of coarse cereals and accounts for the largest area under tur pulse cultivation in the country. Therefore, a sharp decline in Karnataka's agricultural output could affect food grain supplies and prices nationwide.
Alongside this natural crisis, a humanitarian challenge is also mounting. The livelihoods of approximately 13.7 million people in Karnataka roughly one in every five residents depend on agriculture. Amidst these circumstances, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assess the situation and dispatch a central team to facilitate relief measures.
While assistance from the central government is essential, Karnataka must also draw a long term lesson from this crisis. The state's agriculture has long remained vulnerable to the vagaries of the monsoon. It is now imperative for the government to prioritize water security in the agricultural sector rather than focusing solely on urban development projects, particularly those in major cities.
This requires expanding irrigation facilities, strengthening water conservation measures, promoting drought resistant crops, extending canal networks, improving groundwater recharge, and making widespread use of modern micro irrigation techniques. The goal should not merely be to address the current crisis but to establish an agricultural system that offers farmers long term protection against the uncertainties of the monsoon.
Shielding agriculture from the vagaries of nature is not just a necessity for Karnataka; it is essential for the food security and rural economy of the entire nation.
Ghana to revive Volta Star Textiles with strategic investor
Sat. 18th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: Ghana has selected an investor to revive Volta Star Textiles, a defunct Juapong plant known for grey baft. The project aims to restore production, create youth jobs and support secondary businesses in North Tongu. Cotton will first come from Benin, while the plant is expected to offer farmers a guaranteed market. The investor will inspect the site and finalise machinery retooling and refurbishment
Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has announced that a strategic investor has been selected to revive the defunct Volta Star Textiles Limited, formerly Juapong Textiles, in North Tongu District.
The proposed revival is aimed at restoring production at a textile plant known for grey baft, a semi-finished woven fabric used as raw material for finished textile production, according to a press release by the Presidency of Ghana.
The project is also expected to generate direct jobs for youth and support secondary businesses in the area.
Mahama made the announcement during a sod-cutting ceremony for a new 24-hour market in Juapong. The market and the textile factory's revival are part of a broader government agenda to improve economic activity in North Tongu and the wider Volta Region.
A transaction adviser had earlier been appointed to identify and vet potential partners for the factory. The selected investor is expected to visit the plant soon to assess its condition and finalise plans to retool and refurbish the machinery, according to the presidency.
The President of Ghana said: “We are committed to bringing this vital institution back to life to serve as an anchor for local economic growth.”
Mahama also disclosed that cotton will initially be sourced from neighbouring country 'Benin' to keep the plant running efficiently once operations resume.
The release added the factory's revival is expected to provide local and regional cotton farmers with a guaranteed market for their produce.
US adds polyester/spandex fabric to CAFTA-DR unrestricted list
Sat. 18th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) has determined that certain double weave polyester/spandex fabric is not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) countries.
Insights: US CITA has added certain double weave polyester/spandex fabric to Annex 3.25 of CAFTA-DR in unrestricted quantities. The ruling means the specified fabric is treated as not commercially available in CAFTA-DR countries in a timely manner. Apparel sourcing teams using CAFTA-DR supply chains may factor the change into procurement and origin planning.
The specified product has been added in unrestricted quantities to Annex 3.25 of CAFTA-DR, the list covering fabrics, yarns and fibres determined by the parties as not commercially available in a timely manner within the territory of any party.
The determination was published in a Federal Register notice dated July 14, 2026. The notice said CITA acted under CAFTA-DR, Section 203(o)(4) of the CAFTA-DR Implementation Act, the accompanying Statement of Administrative Action, and Presidential Proclamation 7987.
According to the notice, CITA received a Commercial Availability Request from VARSITY PRO LTDA DE C.V. on May 11, 2026, for the specified double weave polyester/spandex fabric. Interested parties were notified on May 13, 2026, with responses due by May 26, 2026, and rebuttals due by June 1, 2026.
Summitex Woven Textiles submitted a response on May 26, 2026, and Varsity filed a rebuttal on June 1, 2026. CITA later extended the determination period by 14 US business days because the record did not contain enough information to decide within 30 business days, and called a public meeting on June 11, 2026, for Varsity and Summitex to submit further evidence on supply capability.
The record indicated that Varsity made significant efforts to source the fabric in the CAFTA-DR region, specifically from Summitex, while Summitex did not demonstrate its ability to supply the subject product in commercial quantities in a timely manner, the notice said.
CITA therefore determined that no interested entity had substantiated an ability to supply the product in commercial quantities in a timely manner and added the specified fabric to Annex 3.25 in unrestricted quantities.
Specifications: Certain Double Weave Polyester/Spandex Fabric
HTS: 5407.52.20.40; 5407.72.00.15
Fabric Type: Woven—Double Weave
Fiber Content (AATCC 20A): Polyester 88-92%, Spandex 8-12%
Yarn Size:
Warp Yarn: 45-55 Denier/144 Filaments Semi-Dull Texturized + 15-25 Denier Spandex Textured Filament
Weft Yarn 1: 45-55 Denier/72 Filaments Semi-Dull Texturized + 15-25 Denier Spandex Textured Filament
Weft Yarn 2: 145-155 Denier/96 Filaments Semi-Dull Texturized
Weave Type: Woven, Double Weave Dobby
Thread Count (ASTM D3775): 66-72 warp ends × 70-78 filling picks
Fabric Weight (g/m2) (ASTM D3776): 159-169 g/m2
Width (cuttable) (ASTM D3774):
Metric: 124.5-139.7 cm
English: 49-55 inches
Stretch (%) (ASTM D3107):
Warp: 20.4% (10%-30%)
Weft: 18% (8%-28%)
Stretch Direction: Four-way stretch
Finish (AATCC 197): Quick Dry (Wicking)
Dye Type: Piece dye of various colors
Shrinkage (AATCC 135): +/− 5%
Ireland seeks stakeholder views on EPR Delivery Plan for textiles
Sat. 18th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: Ireland's Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has prepared a draft Extended Producer Responsibility Delivery Plan for textiles and has sought views from interested parties through a technical stakeholder consultation.
It is aimed at those working in the textile industry.
This consultation will help inform the final content of the plan.
The closing date for submissions is September 9.
Ireland’s Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has prepared a draft Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Delivery Plan for textiles and has sought views from interested parties through a technical stakeholder consultation.
It is aimed at those working in the textile industry. This consultation will help inform the final content of the plan.
The purpose of this EPR Delivery Plan is to provide support in delivering on the legal obligations as set out in the revised European Union (EU) Waste Framework Directive with respect to textiles.
The plan will also assist in delivering on Ireland’s policy commitments in the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028 and in the National Policy Statement and Roadmap on Circular Textiles 2026-2028, a statement from the department said.
The Delivery Plan outlines the key elements of a mandatory textiles EPR scheme in Ireland. It also delineates the actions required for the effective design and implementation of a national textiles EPR scheme and the establishment of an associated producer responsibility organisation (PRO) in Ireland to ensure alignment with the waste hierarchy and circular economy principles.
The closing date for submissions is September 9.
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles was published in March 2022. In line with the strategy, a proposal to revise the EU Waste Framework Directive that would require the mandatory adoption of Textiles EPR schemes was published in July 2023. The revised Waste Framework Directive entered into force on October 16, 2025.
The Directive sets out a comprehensive suite of measures aimed at addressing fast fashion and the environmental impacts associated with textile waste.
It reinforces the application of the ‘polluter pays’ principle, thereby making the textile industry responsible for the management of its textile waste.
Nigeria unveils plans for full overhaul of struggling textile firms
Sun. 19th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: Nigeria recently unveiled plans for a complete overhaul of struggling textile firms across the country as part of efforts to revive the textile and garment industry and generate jobs.
A top government official said certain specific locations, including Kaduna, have been identified as key assets that can be revitalised to restore the sector to its former glory, reduce imports and promote exports.
Nigeria recently unveiled plans for a complete overhaul of struggling textile firms across the country as part of efforts to revive the textile and garment industry and generate jobs.
Eme Bassey, special adviser on cotton, textile and garments to the minister of state for industry announced this in Kaduna during a stakeholder engagement on the National Cotton Textile and Garment Industrial Transformation Programme of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Certain specific locations, including Kaduna, have been identified as key assets that can be revitalised to restore the sector to its former glory, create mass employment, reduce imports and promote exports, Bassey was cited as saying by domestic media outlets.
Revitalisation efforts will involve a complete overhaul of physical infrastructure at sites like Kakuri, which she said are currently dilapidated but remain strategically important to the sector, she said.
The ministry is developing a new policy centred around fiscal, financial, skill and regulatory measures, she informed. The 2015 policy is currently under revision and will be launched soon, along with a road map for its implementation.
Bassey said the ministry is working with research institutions, development partners and federal and state agencies to address challenges in the cotton value chain and ensure quality and quantity to sustain the industry.
The ministry is also discussing with the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture to provide affordable financing and grants, especially for small and medium enterprises.
A task force is working to combat smuggling and counterfeit textile products, she added.
Heimtextil 2027 restructures Carpets & Rugs, adds premium segment
Mon. 20th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: Heimtextil 2027 will restructure Carpets & Rugs across Halls 3.0, 3.1, 11.0, 12.0 and 12.1, connecting suppliers with specialist retailers, contract businesses and major global buyers.
The new jury-curated Carpets & Rugs Excellence area will highlight quality-focused volume manufacturers, while leading brands have confirmed their participation.
Even more efficient, more targeted and closer to the market: Heimtextil 2027 strengthens its position as the leading meeting place for the global carpet industry and further expands Carpets & Rugs in line with market needs. With a stronger focus on distribution channels, the segment integrates into Heimtextil’s product worlds. Manufacturers, retailers, industry and contract business benefit from additional business opportunities, new contacts and efficient sourcing of holistic interior solutions. With Carpets & Rugs Excellence, Heimtextil also introduces a premium segment for selected volume manufacturers for the first time. Numerous key players have already confirmed their participation for 2027. Heimtextil 2027 once again brings together the global carpet industry in Frankfurt. With a new structure, Carpets & Rugs responds directly to current market requirements and strengthens networking across purchasing and distribution channels. The segment strategically integrates carpet suppliers into Heimtextil’s product segments, combining holistic interior concepts for specialist retailers, solutions for hospitality and contract projects, and offerings for the international volume business. Manufacturers benefit from additional business opportunities and new contacts. Buyers gain direct access to complete interior solutions. “Our aim is to reflect the needs of the entire carpet market as effectively as possible. Together with the industry, we continuously develop Carpets & Rugs and create an even more targeted business platform for manufacturers, brands and buyers worldwide,” says Bettina Bär, Director Heimtextil. “The strong participation once again confirms Heimtextil’s relevance as the home of the global carpet industry in Frankfurt.”
Machine-made carpets as well as suppliers of fibres, yarns and technologies showcase their products in Hall 3.1 alongside Decorative & Furniture Fabrics with direct access to specialist retailers and contract business. In Hall 3.0, hand-knotted one-off pieces, premium doormats and flooring solutions expand the area Interior Design Concepts: Windows, Wall & Floor with holistic interior concepts. Halls 11.0, 12.0 and 12.1 serve as the meeting place for volume manufacturers and major buyers from around the world, complementing the offering with handwoven and machine-made carpets. Numerous market leaders and renowned brands have already confirmed their participation, including Agnee Innovates, Balta Industries, Bhadohi Carpets, Choudhary Exports, Fibre World, Hafizia Arts & Crafts, Heritage Overseas, Jaipur Rugs, Looms & Knots, Merinos, Oriental Weavers with EFCO and MAC, Qayyum Exports, Ragolle Rugs, Rudra Rugs, Rugs INC., Unlimited Style Rugs, Teppich de Orienta and Verbatex.
With Carpets & Rugs Excellence, Heimtextil 2027 introduces a premium segment in Hall 11.0 featuring selected international volume manufacturers from the carpet industry for the first time. Chosen by an independent jury of experts, these companies stand for high-quality products, excellent workmanship and manufacturing expertise. The new area creates a central meeting point for buyers from retail, hospitality and contract business looking for quality-focused carpet suppliers capable of handling order volumes of every scale. The curated segment provides guidance for global sourcing decisions and underlines Heimtextil’s commitment to quality.
Heimtextil 2027 takes place from 12 to 15 January 2027.
India, Estonia strengthen digital economy partnership
Mon. 20th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: India and Estonia agreed to expand digital governance, fintech, cybersecurity and emerging-technology cooperation during Piyush Goyal's Europe visit.
Estonia backed early India-EU FTA implementation, relevant to textile and apparel exporters, importers and sourcing teams.
The wider tour advanced trade, investment and technology talks, including investment protection and geographical indications.
India and Estonia have agreed to expand cooperation in digital governance, fintech, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, with both sides also backing the early implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal concluded a five-day visit to Europe. The minister wrapped up his visit in Estonia recently, marking the first ministerial-level visit from India since the opening of India's resident Embassy in Tallinn in 2021. The visit formed part of a broader tour covering Spain, Belgium, Finland and Estonia aimed at strengthening India's economic engagement with Europe, the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a press release.
During talks with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, the two sides explored collaboration in digital governance, fintech, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) integration, e-residency, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. Estonia also invited India to participate in the Estonia Digital Summit and reiterated its support for the early implementation of the India-EU FTA.
Addressing the India-Estonia Business Forum, Goyal encouraged companies from both countries to deepen cooperation in cybersecurity, blockchain, clean energy and green hydrogen. Estonia highlighted its position as a gateway to the Nordic and Baltic region and expressed interest in partnering with India's expanding digital economy.
Goyal's wider Europe visit advanced discussions on trade, investment and technology cooperation, with India and the European Union reaffirming their commitment to early signing and implementation of the India-EU FTA alongside negotiations on investment protection and geographical indications, added the release.
