Cotlook Index: 24-07-2026
90.35 (Unch)
Cotton Market Rallies Nationwide
Fri. 24th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Cotton market rallies nationwide amidst arrivals of just 3,070 bales; CCI auction in focus – Read the full report
Today, July 24, 2026, the Indian cotton market witnessed a strong upward trend across all major regions. Cotton prices rose by ₹50 per maund in North India, ₹200–500 per candy in Central India, and ₹300–500 per candy in South India. Meanwhile, total all-India cotton arrivals stood at approximately 3,070 bales, reflecting the limited availability of the old crop.
Several key factors contributed to the market's strength. Sentiment in the Indian market remained positive due to gains in the international ICE Cotton market for the fourth consecutive trading session. Additionally, the consistent 100% sales in China's reserve cotton auctions sustained strong global demand.
On the other hand, the extremely low arrival of the old crop across the country has limited available stocks. Concurrently, the availability of good-quality cotton is dwindling, prompting spinning mills and traders to offer higher prices for premium-quality stock. Active buying by mills, growing interest from traders, and the positive global environment fostered by China's reserve cotton auctions further bolstered the market
Amidst this, the Cotton Corporation of India's (CCI) e-auction today also drew significant market attention. CCI offered 7,068,00 bales of cotton for sale. Sales totaled 12,900 bales in the mill session and 13,700 bales in the trader session, resulting in a total sale of 26,600 bales for the day. With this, the cumulative sales by CCI up to July 24, 2026, have reached 87,30,900 bales.
A bullish trend prevails in the Indian cotton market during the final phase of the season, driven by limited arrivals, sustained mill buying, and positive signals from the global market.In the coming days, the market's direction will primarily depend on the movement of ICE Cotton, domestic demand, and the progress of the new crop.
CCI Raises Cotton Prices by ₹800 per Candy, Weekly Sales Reach 2.26 Lakh Bales
Sat. 25th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
CCI Raises Cotton Candy Prices by ₹800, Weekly Auctions Reach 2.26 Lakh Bales
The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) increased its cotton selling prices by ₹800 per candy during the week ended July 24, 2026, amid strong participation from textile mills and cotton traders.
CCI recorded total sales of approximately 2,26,100 bales from the 2025–26 cotton crop during the week, with the highest auction activity witnessed on Thursday.
Day-Wise CCI Auction Performance
July 20, 2026 (Monday):
The week opened with sales of 21,900 bales. Mills purchased 6,100 bales, while traders bought 15,800 bales.
July 21, 2026 (Tuesday):
CCI auction sales stood at 26,600 bales, including 9,200 bales purchased by mills and 17,400 bales lifted by traders.
July 22, 2026 (Wednesday):
Auction activity strengthened, with total sales rising to 52,700 bales. Mills purchased 21,300 bales, while traders bought 31,400 bales.
July 23, 2026 (Thursday):
CCI recorded the highest sales of the week, with 98,300 bales sold. Mills purchased 24,000 bales, while traders lifted 74,300 bales.
July 24, 2026 (Friday):
The week concluded with sales of 26,600 bales. Mills purchased 12,900 bales, while traders bought 13,700 bales.
CCI Cotton Sales Cross 87.30 Lakh Bales Following the latest auctions, CCI's cumulative cotton sales for the 2025–26 season reached approximately 87,30,900 bales.
India Completes WTO Trade Policy Review, Highlights Tariff Reforms and FTA Strategy
Sat. 25th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
India Completes WTO Trade Policy Review; Emphasizes Tariff Reforms and FTA Strategy
India has concluded the second and final session of its eighth Trade Policy Review (TPR) at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva. With this, the periodic review of India's trade and related policies—conducted under the WTO's transparency and monitoring mechanism—has been completed.
This review is significant for exporters, importers, and manufacturers in the textile and apparel sectors, as it addressed key policy areas affecting market access and supply-chain planning. These included tariff reforms, measures to streamline customs procedures, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) strategies, technical regulations, Quality Control Orders (QCOs), and trade remedies.
During the review process, India received a total of 1,094 written questions from 44 WTO members. Additionally, 68 WTO members shared their views during the two review sessions held on July 21 and 23, 2026.
The Indian delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. He stated that trade reform is a continuous process
and reaffirmed India's commitment to an open, transparent, and predictable trade and investment regime.
He noted that India's tariff reforms, measures to simplify customs procedures, and FTA strategies have not only supported the country's domestic development goals but also strengthened its integration with the global economy.
Responding to queries raised by WTO members, Agrawal stated that India's trade policies are guided by WTO-consistent principles while also addressing the developmental needs of a large developing economy.
He explained that the tariff structure for the agricultural sector aims to protect the interests of small, low-income, and resource-constrained farmers, whereas industrial tariffs support supply-chain resilience, diversification, and domestic manufacturing capabilities. He reiterated India's commitment to transparency, stakeholder consultation, and adherence to WTO rules regarding Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, technical regulations, and trade measures.
He also stated that India's Quality Control Orders (QCOs) aim to achieve legitimate public policy objectives, while trade measures are examined transparently based on solid evidence, due process, and judicial oversight.
During the review, WTO members appreciated India's efforts regarding digital public infrastructure, the modernization of customs and trade facilitation, innovation and startup initiatives, regional trade agreements, and the integration of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into global value chains. Members also welcomed India's acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
On the issue of WTO reforms, India reiterated its support for an open, inclusive, transparent, and rules-based multilateral trading system. India also emphasized that future reforms should be development-centric, preserve adequate policy space for developing countries, and fulfill the WTO's existing mandates.
Light Rain Brings Relief to Farmers in Karnataka's Yadgir; Hopes for Better Yield Rise
Sat. 25th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Light rainfall over the past few days in Karnataka's Yadgir district has brought smiles of relief to farmers' faces. Due to below-normal rainfall so far this monsoon, Kharif crops in several parts of the district had begun to suffer from a lack of moisture. Farmers were worried as key crops like cotton, red gram (tur), and green gram (moong) were wilting, but the recent rain has acted as a lifeline for the crops. Farmers are now hopeful that if the spell of rain continues in the coming days, they could achieve a good yield this season.
According to Agriculture Department data, sowing of Kharif crops across 241,682 hectares had been completed in the district by Friday, against a total seasonal target of 401,869 hectares. Red gram sowing has been completed on 48,697 hectares—approximately 60.14 percent—of the 84,999-hectare target. Meanwhile, green gram sowing has been recorded on 9,153 hectares against a target of 13,770 hectares. Sowing of cotton, the district's major cash crop, has been completed on 179,410 hectares against a target of 202,452 hectares.
Insufficient rainfall had prevented adequate moisture retention in the fields, causing crop growth to stall. Farmer Vijay Gulgi stated that the recent light rain has increased soil moisture and provided relief to the standing crops. He believes that if intermittent rainfall continues, production could improve.
Cotton is the second most widely cultivated crop in Yadgir district, after paddy. Although most farmers rely on canal water for irrigation, the district administration had already clarified—in view of drought-like conditions—that water from the Basavasagar reservoir would be reserved solely for human and livestock consumption and would not be made available for irrigation.
Cotton farmer Chandrashekhar Gowda Bilwar, who depends on water from the Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Limited (KBJNL) canals, stated that the crops had begun to wither after just the first round of weeding due to a lack of rainfall. He noted that recent light showers have breathed new life into the crops, and he is now hopeful of a good yield this season rather than facing significant losses.
According to official data, Yadgir district recorded 24 percent less rainfall than normal between June 1 and July 24. Despite this, the recent rains have somewhat alleviated farmers' concerns and revived hopes for a better harvest.
India’s Cotton Production Seen Falling to 290.91 Lakh Bales in FY26
Sat. 25th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
India's cotton production projected to fall to 290.91 lakh bales in FY26 due to reduced cultivation area
New Delhi: The government informed Parliament on Friday that India's cotton production is projected to decline to 290.91 lakh bales in the 2025-26 fiscal year, down from 352.48 lakh bales in 2020-21. However, cotton productivity did not see a significant change during this period, remaining within the range of 428 to 451 kilograms per hectare.
Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita stated in the Rajya Sabha that the primary reason for the drop in production is the reduction in the area under cotton cultivation. Many farmers have shifted to other, more profitable crops, leading to a decrease in the cotton sowing area.
According to government data, the area under cotton cultivation stood at 132.85 lakh hectares in 2020-21 and declined to 114.82 lakh hectares in 2025-26.
The ministry reported that cotton prices in the international market have risen by approximately 19 percent, while prices for the S-6 variety in the domestic market have increased by about 18 percent. The Minister noted that raw cotton and cotton yarn are imported when necessary to maintain domestic availability.
According to the government, the country's cotton requirements are being met through estimated production, carry-over stocks, and imports. Cotton availability and market conditions are being continuously monitored.
The government has taken several measures to support the textile industry. These include an exemption from the 11 percent import duty on raw cotton from June 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026. Additionally, the import duty exemption on Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton—effective since February 20, 2024—has been continued to ensure the availability of high-quality cotton. The government has approved the Cotton Productivity Mission (Kapas Kranti) for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31 with the aim of enhancing cotton productivity and improving quality. This mission will focus on increasing production, promoting new technologies, and developing superior-quality fiber.
The government has also made special provisions for ‘new-age fibers’ within the approved Cotton Productivity Mission for 2026-31. Furthermore, the National Fiber Mission—announced in the 2026-27 budget—emphasizes boosting the production of cotton and other fibers, as well as developing an Indian fiber brand.
Heavy Rains Threaten Cotton Crops in Gujarat and Rajasthan, Fields Waterlogged
Sat. 25th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Heavy Rains Threaten Cotton Crops in Thangadh (Gujarat) and Sarupsar (Rajasthan); Fields Waterlogged
Persistent heavy rainfall has compounded difficulties for farmers in the Thangadh area of Gujarat's Surendranagar district and the Sarupsar (Suratgarh) region of Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district. Waterlogging in the fields has submerged cotton and narma (soft cotton) crops, raising the risk of rot and spoilage.
In Gungliyana village of Thangadh Taluka, continuous rain has led to water accumulation in the fields. Due to the lack of proper drainage systems, there is a fear of significant damage to the cotton crop. Meanwhile, in the Dalvadi Nagar area of Thangadh town, waterlogging has caused knee-deep water to accumulate on main roads and in residential areas, disrupting the movement of local residents.
Separately, in Sarupsar and surrounding rural areas, farmers are using large tractor-operated pumps to drain water from their fields in a bid to save their crops. Agricultural experts warn that if the water is not drained quickly, the crops could be completely destroyed. Farmers have urged the administration to conduct a crop damage survey in the affected areas, provide adequate compensation, and ensure a permanent drainage solution for the future.
CCI Cotton Sales Reach 87.31 Lakh Bales in 2025-26 Season
Mon. 27th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2025-26 Season
The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) Increased its cotton candy prices by upto ₹800 per candy during this week . CCI has sold approximately 87,30,900 cotton bales for the 2025-26 season. Sales are highly concentrated in a few major cotton-producing states, Maharashtra, Telangana and Gujarat emerging as the leading contributors.
2,812,900 bales in Maharashtra
2,044,500 bales in Telangana
1,584,300 bales in Gujarat
6,95,700 bales in Karnataka
5,63,100 bales in Madhya Pradesh
3,20,800 bales in Rajasthan
2,67,500 bales in Odisha
2,28,700 bales in Andhra Pradesh
1,69,400 bales in Haryana
and 44,000 bales in Punjab.
Maharashtra Kharif Sowing 2026 Reaches 74%; Soybean and Cotton Lead Crop Choices
Mon. 27th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Maharashtra Kharif Sowing 2026: Sowing Completed on 74% of Area; Soybean and Cotton Top Farmers' Choices; Pulse Cultivation Declines
Sowing operations for the 2026 Kharif season in Maharashtra have gained momentum following good rainfall during the second half of July. According to the latest data from the Agriculture Department, sowing has been completed on 1.06 crore hectares—approximately 74 percent—of the state's average Kharif area of 1.44 crore hectares. While farmers initially faced uncertainty due to a weak monsoon start, timely rains have pushed sowing into its final stages across most regions.
A look at the regional breakdown reveals that the Amravati division leads with 89 percent sowing completion. It is followed by Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (79%), Nashik (78%), Latur (77%), Kolhapur (63%), and Nagpur and Pune (61% each). In contrast, the Konkan division has recorded only 15 percent sowing so far, due to scanty rainfall and a heavy reliance on paddy cultivation.
This year, farmers have shown a marked preference for cash crops. Sowing for soybean and cotton has reached 88 percent and 82 percent completion, respectively. Soybean has been cultivated across approximately 41.64 lakh hectares; farmers have been drawn to these crops by better market rates for cotton and the expectation of good prices for soybean. Conversely, pulse sowing has fallen short of expectations. While sowing for Tur (pigeon pea), Moong (green gram), and Urad (black gram) has reached 77, 56, and 59 percent respectively, the total pulse cultivation area covered stands at only 64 percent.
Paddy sowing is also proceeding slowly. Due to rainfall deficits in Konkan and Eastern Vidarbha, replanting operations have reached only 24 percent completion. Meanwhile, challenges such as the need for re-sowing in certain districts, shortages of seeds and fertilizers, and weather uncertainty continue to confront farmers. Agricultural experts believe that late-sown crops will be harvested in October-November; consequently, retreating rains could affect both yield and quality. The department expects sowing to be completed in the remaining areas as well by the end of July.
Cotton Cultivation in Punjab Falls to 80,000 Hectares; National Production Declines Over Six Years
Mon. 27th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Cotton Cultivation in Punjab Shrinks to 80,000 Hectares; Nationwide Production Declines Over Six Years
Bathinda: Cotton cultivation in Punjab is steadily declining, with the area under cultivation dropping to a record low of approximately 80,000 hectares in the 2026-27 season. Data presented by Union Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita in response to a question by Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari reveals a consistent decline in both cotton acreage and production across the country over the past six years.
According to data from an April 2026 meeting of the committee on cotton production and consumption, the total area under cotton cultivation in the country stood at 132.85 lakh hectares in 2020-21, falling to 114.82 lakh hectares by 2025-26. During the same period, cotton production dropped from 352.48 lakh bales to 290.91 lakh bales (one bale weighs 170 kg).
A decline in cotton productivity has also been recorded at the national level. Production per hectare fell from 451 kg in 2020-21 to 431 kg in 2025-26, although productivity had reached 443 kg per hectare in 2022-23.
The decline has been more pronounced in Punjab. The state's cotton acreage stood at 1.19 lakh hectares in 2025-26 but shrank to just 80,000 hectares in 2026-27. Although the state government had set a target of 1.25 lakh hectares to promote cotton cultivation, farmers achieved only about 64 percent of this goal. Experts attribute the shrinking cotton area to farmers shifting towards other crops that offer better returns. The decline in cotton production has also impacted the textile industry. There has been a significant rise in raw cotton imports to meet the demands of the domestic industry; imports increased from 5,62,224 tonnes in 2024-25 to 10,13,455 tonnes in 2025-26. The Union Minister attributed the drop in production primarily to changes in land use and farmers shifting towards alternative crops. He stated that the government is taking several measures to support the textile industry. These include an exemption on the 11 percent import duty for raw cotton from June 1 to October 31, as well as the continuation of duty exemptions on the import of high-quality extra-long staple cotton.
Can Madhya Pradesh become India's next textile growth engine?
Mon. 27th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: Madhya Pradesh's Indore-Dhar belt is emerging as a textile hub around the 2,156-acre PM MITRA Park at Bhainsola near Badnawar.
The project has reported commitments exceeding ₹20,000 crore and is projected to create more than 46,000 jobs.
Plug-and-play facilities, highway links and investor interest could support exporters, apparel makers and sourcing teams.
The Indore-Dhar region of Madhya Pradesh, India, is fast gaining recognition as a promising centre for India’s textile and apparel industry. Traditionally associated with agriculture and general manufacturing, the region is now moving towards becoming a comprehensive textile ecosystem, thanks to PM MITRA Park at Bhainsola near Badnawar, which is emerging as the key driver of this shift.
The scale of the initiative highlights its potential. Spread across approximately 2,156 acres, the integrated textile park is reportedly being developed with an estimated investment of about ₹20.63 billion ($240 million). Reports indicate that the project has already received investment commitments exceeding ₹200 billion ($2.3 billion), while more than 1,100 acres have reportedly been allocated to companies during the initial phases.
With demand continuing to grow, the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) is reportedly preparing for the next round of land distribution.
Once fully developed, the park is projected to create over 46,000 employment opportunities and establish one of India’s major textile production clusters, bringing together various stages of the textile value chain within a single location.
The PM MITRA Park is being developed on a model that goes beyond traditional industrial zones. Designed as a ready-to-operate textile hub, it aims to provide manufacturers with essential infrastructure that reduces the time and cost required to begin production.
As per reports, the core facilities such as internal roads, water systems and drainage infrastructure were reportedly progressing, while common amenities including an Effluent Treatment Plant, Sewage Treatment Plant, Common Facility Centre, testing facilities, incubation support and plug-and-play manufacturing spaces were also being developed.A major advantage of the project is the growth of a supporting industrial network around it. Several established apparel and textile companies, including names like Arvind Group, OFB Tech and Jhil, are reportedly increasing their presence in the Indore area, helping build a stronger regional supply chain.
The emergence of this cluster could also strengthen India’s role in global apparel sourcing. Production from the region is expected to cater to both domestic brands and international fashion companies, connecting Madhya Pradesh more closely with the global textile markets.
Infrastructure connectivity further enhances the park’s appeal. A dedicated four-lane road connection provides access to the national highway network and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, improving links with ports, major markets, and export destinations. Better transport infrastructure is expected to reduce logistics challenges and support faster movement of goods, making the region more competitive for manufacturers.
The project has also begun attracting international interest. A reported visit by a Taiwanese industry delegation to explore investment possibilities signals the growing attention from overseas businesses towards the Indore-Dhar textile corridor and its potential to become a significant manufacturing destination.
The PM MITRA Park project has created significant expectations, though many believe its long-term success, to a great extent, will depend on execution, workforce development, and the ability to attract export-oriented manufacturers and develop a complete textile value chain rather than relying only on factory investment.
Global trade policy activity rises to series high: WTO-IMF
Mon. 27th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: Global trade policy activity climbed to a series high in early 2026, with January-May activity nearly twice 2024 levels.
Restrictive measures are driving the latest rise, while trade-facilitating actions have lost relative momentum.
The WTO-IMF index points to broader policy pressure across G20 and non-G20 economies, affecting global supply-chain planning.
Global trade policy activity climbed to a new high in early 2026, with the WTO-IMF Trade Policy Activity (TPA) Index showing a continued surge that extends beyond the largest economies. For exporters, importers and sourcing teams, the update points to a policy environment in which trade restrictions and other non-facilitating measures are gaining prominence.
Averaged over January-May 2026, global trade policy activity ran nearly twice its 2024 level and about a quarter above its 2025 average, according to the index. The updated series extends through May 2026, while an exploratory nowcast through June 2026 points to a further potential increase despite some slowing earlier in the year.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) said the index, developed in joint research by WTO and International Monetary Fund (IMF) economists, draws on information on trade policy measures across a large number of economies and products. It uses records of a wide range of policy measures as signals of global trade policy activity, and draws primarily on the WTO Trade Monitoring Database and Global Trade Alert.
The WTO said trade policy activity rose gradually for more than a decade before accelerating from around 2020 onwards, reflecting increased use of trade policy for wider objectives such as industrial policy or security. Peaks were visible around the escalation of US-China tariffs in 2018-19, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the war in Ukraine in 2022, and renewed trade tensions in 2025.
The latest decomposition of the index shows that restrictive measures have climbed the most steeply of any category through 2025 and into 2026. Subsidies and other remaining measures have also increased more gradually, while facilitating measures (those that ease trade by reducing barriers or improving customs procedures) have accelerated more modestly.
Facilitating measures have lost relative momentum in recent years, except during the Strait of Hormuz crisis, when they represented over two-thirds of all measures taken, according to the WTO. The organisation said the recent rise in trade policy activity is broad-based, with non-G20 economies also rising markedly in the most recent period.
Global textile spinning capacity edges down in 2024: ITMF
Mon. 27th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) reported a slight decline in global textile spinning capacity in 2024, with short-staple spindles falling to 219 million units and open-end rotors to 9.6 million.
Shuttle-less looms remained stable at 1.67 million, while raw material consumption eased to 42 million tonnes despite higher use of cellulosic and synthetic fibres.
The International Textile Manufacturer Federation (ITMF) has published its International Textile Industry Statistics (ITIS) on productive capacity and raw materials consumption in the short-staple organized (spinning mill-) sector in virtually all textile-producing countries in the world.
ITMF continuously improves the capacity and consumption time series to reflect the industry’s structure. The results for the year 2024 freshly came out as part of this ongoing revision. The estimated global number of installed short-staple spindles shrunk to 219 Mio units and the number of installed open-end rotors reached 9.6 Mio, experiencing a slight decrease since 2023 (see Fig. 1 and 2). The number of installed air-jet spindles kept rising and was still dominated by China. The dynamics at world level denote a slow substitution to technologies with increased performance.
The number of shuttle-less looms installed was stable in 2024 (1.67 Mio, +0.3%, see Fig. 3). 83% of all looms were installed in Asia and Oceania. Total raw material consumption in the short-staple organized sector slightly decreased to 42 Mio tons despite consumption of cellulosic and synthetic fibres slightly rising.
Brazil Records Highest-Ever Cotton Production at 3.92 Million Tons in 2024/25
Mon. 27th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Brazil's record cotton production
Brazil reinforced its position as the world’s leading cotton exporter after achieving a record-breaking 2024/25 harvest. According to the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa), the country produced around *3.92 million tons of cotton, the highest output in its history, supported by expanded planting and improved productivity.
The planted area reached approximately 2.12 million hectares, more than 6% higher than the previous season. Combined with favorable weather, advanced farming techniques, and high yields, this increase enabled Brazil to harvest significantly more cotton while maintaining the premium fiber quality for which it is internationally recognized.
Strong production translated into record exports. According to CNN Brasil, Brazil was expected to ship around 2.8 million tons* of cotton during the 2024/25 season, maintaining its status as the world’s largest cotton exporter. While most of the harvest was destined for international markets, a substantial share continued to supply the domestic textile industry.
It is important to distinguish between production and exports. Production refers to the total cotton harvested, whereas exports represent only the volume shipped overseas. The difference reflects the fiber consumed within Brazil by manufacturers and textile companies.
The record harvest highlights the competitiveness of Brazilian agriculture. With large-scale production, consistent quality, and efficient logistics, Brazil has strengthened its role in the global cotton market. The sector supports thousands of jobs across farming, processing, and transportation while contributing billions to the economy and reinforcing the country’s trade balance. The 2024/25 season confirms Brazil’s growing influence as a global cotton powerhouse.
