Cotlook Index: 21-10-2026
91.75 (+0.60)
Thiagarajar Mills Group and Germany’s Euro Textiles Announce Rs.100-Crore Textile Manufacturing Venture in Tamil Nadu
Thursday, 22nd Oct 2026, (Source: www.indiantextilemagazine.in)
Advanced Jacquard Air-jet Weaving Facility to Target Global Markets; Commercial Production Planned Within Eight Months.
Thiagarajar Mills Private Limited, Madurai, through its group company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Euro Textiles GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, to establish a new textile manufacturing enterprise at Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, with a proposed investment of Rs.100 crore.
The venture aims to strengthen India’s export-oriented textile industry through advanced manufacturing technology and enhanced access to international markets.
Hari Thiagarajan, Chairman & MD, Thiagarajar Mills
The proposed facility will manufacture premium-quality 100% cotton jacquard fabrics and other value-added textile products for export markets, with commercial production targeted to commence within eight months.
State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Infrastructure
The project envisages the installation of 48 advanced Air-jet looms equipped with Jacquard technology, supported by modern warping and sizing facilities. This sophisticated infrastructure will enable the production of high-quality cotton jacquard woven fabrics featuring intricate designs, consistent quality and the flexibility to meet evolving international customer requirements in the fashion and design industry. The first phase is planned to achieve an annual production capacity of 3 million metres, with the second phase envisaged to double capacity to 6 million metres annually, enabling the venture to scale operations in line with export demand. The second phase will also envisage investment into value added technical textiles and niche patented textile fabrics catering to the growing non-conventional textile space.
Krishna Javaji, Managing Director, Euro Textiles, Germany
A Strategic Indo-German Partnership
Established on 26 June 1935, Thiagarajar Mills has a longstanding presence in the Indian textile industry, with expertise in cotton yarn, combed yarn, hosiery yarn and related textile products. Its manufacturing capabilities, technical expertise and commitment to quality will underpin the proposed venture.
Euro Textiles GmbH & Co. KG, based in Germany, brings experience in textile trading, sourcing and international market access. The partnership will combine Thiagarajar Mills Group’s manufacturing strengths with Euro Textile’s established market access, new product development, go to market strategy and international business network creating a strong platform for expanding the global reach of Indian-made cotton fabrics.
India–EU Trade Partnership: An Emerging Opportunity
The proposed investment comes at a pivotal time for India’s textile export industry. India’s fabric exports to the EU stood at approximately USD 0.08 billion, while the EU’s fabric import was valued at USD 2.38 billion in 2025.
The India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is yet to be finalised and implemented, is expected to create significant opportunities for Indian fabrics in the European market and drive substantial growth in the textile industry. Strategic investments in advanced weaving technologies, value-added products and globally benchmarked quality standards will be instrumental in capitalising on this potential and accelerating export-led growth.
Strengthening Tamil Nadu’s Textile Industry
The proposed project facility is expected to support southern Tamil Nadu’s industrial development, create employment opportunities and reinforce Tamil Nadu’s position as a major textile manufacturing hub. By integrating advanced weaving technology with international market expertise, the venture aims to meet growing global demand for premium cotton fabrics and differentiated textile products.
This collaboration reflects the partners’ shared commitment to technological advancement, product excellence and export-led growth. With a proposed investment of Rs.100 crore, a phased production capacity of up to 6 million metres annually and a clear focus on international markets, the venture is poised to contribute to the continued growth of India’s textile manufacturing and exports.
The LYCRA Company India Summit highlights stretch and performance tech
Thursday, 22nd Oct 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights: The LYCRA Company showcased stretch, performance and sustainability-focused technologies at its India Summit, connecting mills, brands and value-chain partners.
Innovations included LYCRA ADAPTIV, LYCRA FiT400, COOLMAX CloakFX and LYCRA Anti-Slip fibres for denim, activewear and intimate apparel, supporting wider adoption amongst Indian mills and brands.
The LYCRA Company and its partners Banswara Syntex, Bhaskar Denim, Exim Knits, Kumaraguru Knitex, LNJ Denim, Nahar, Oswal Denim, Ramco and Fibercraft, together with the RADCCO team, showcased a range of stretch, performance and sustainability-focused textile technologies at the India Summit in September.
The summit highlighted technologies including LYCRA Anti-Slip fibre, LYCRA ADAPTIV fibre, LYCRA FiT400 fibre and COOLMAX CloakFX fibre, with several solutions already being evaluated or adopted by leading mills and brands.
Speaking to Fibre2Fashion on the sidelines of the summit, R. Thiruvengadam, South Asia commercial director, The LYCRA Company, said the event was designed to bring different value-chain partners together on one platform and introduce global textile technologies to the Indian market.
“Global trends include the recent success of LYCRA ADAPTIV fiber, which supports easy stretch, comfort and fit in garments,” Thiruvengadam mentioned.
Amongst the technologies showcased, LYCRA FiT400 fibre was described by Thiruvengadam as a relatively new concept for India’s apparel industry, delivering stretch without spandex.
Thiruvengadam also highlighted The LYCRA Company’s sustainability-focused and performance-oriented materials, including Renewable LYCRA fibre, as well as branded speciality polyester solutions such as COOLMAX EcoMade fibre and THERMOLITE EcoMade fibre.
The summit also demonstrated technologies across denim, intimate apparel and activewear through Indian value-chain partners. Thiruvengadam said the participating companies were showcasing their technologies to local brands and retailers, whilst the event also aimed to engage upcoming mills looking to upgrade their products and develop more value-added ranges.
Thiruvengadam highlighted that LYCRA VintageFX fabric helps provide comfort stretch whilst retaining a vintage denim appearance. He added that LYCRA ADAPTIV fibre, used to support easy stretch and comfort in denim applications, is beginning to move into commercial applications through mill-developed concept collections.
Through the summit, The LYCRA Company is seeking to deepen collaboration amongst value-chain partners, including mills, garment manufacturers and brands, whilst expanding the commercial application of its stretch, performance and sustainability-focused fibre technologies in India’s growing denim, non-denim, activewear and intimate apparel segments.
ICE cotton futures rise for third straight session on weaker dollar
Thursday, 22nd Oct 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights: ICE December 2026 cotton settled at 81.83 cents, up 1.17 per cent, its highest close since September 28, as a weaker US dollar and buying interest supported prices.
Trading volume jumped about 48 per cent to 57,445 contracts, while deliverable stocks stayed at 16,618 bales.A faster US harvest and caution before USDA export sales data and the Federal Reserve meeting may limit gains.
ICE cotton futures extended their gains for the third consecutive session on Wednesday, supported by a weaker US dollar and improved buying interest. The benchmark December contract recorded its highest settlement since September 28, while a sharp increase in trading volume indicated stronger market participation. However, the advancing US cotton harvest and uncertainty ahead of the USDA export sales report and next week's Federal Reserve meeting kept traders cautious. The ICE cotton December 2026 contract settled at 81.83 cents per pound, up 0.95 cent or 1.17 per cent from Tuesday's close of 80.88 cents. The contract gained a cumulative 183 points over three sessions, rising by 13, 75 and 95 points, respectively. Other contracts closed between 1 and 102 points higher. Wednesday's settlement was the highest since September 28, when the December contract closed at 82.86 cents per pound. The benchmark contract remained within its 12-session trading range of 79.23–82.25 cents, although the latest increase brought prices closer to the upper end of the range.The December contract settled 109 points above the range midpoint of 80.74 cents and just 42 points below the upper boundary of 82.25 cents. It also moved above the earlier resistance zone of 80.86–81.00 cents, suggesting an improvement in near-term market sentiment.Trading volume increased sharply to 57,445 contracts from 38,788 contracts in the previous session, representing a rise of approximately 48 per cent. The increase indicated stronger participation following several sessions of relatively subdued activity. Updated open interest figures were unavailable, while the previously reported open interest stood at a record 398,469 contracts. ICE deliverable No. 2 cotton futures certificated stocks remained unchanged at 16,618 bales as of October 20.The weaker US dollar provided additional support to cotton prices by making American cotton more competitive for overseas buyers. The dollar index edged lower on Wednesday as traders reassessed inflation risks associated with rising crude oil prices.Market analysts said market participants continued to monitor US harvesting conditions while awaiting Thursday's USDA weekly export sales report. Investors were also closely watching next week's Federal Reserve meeting for indications about the future direction of interest rates. A potential interest rate increase could strengthen the dollar and adversely affect US cotton exports. However, market expectations generally favoured unchanged interest rates at the upcoming meeting.Meanwhile, the latest USDA crop progress report showed that the US cotton harvest continued to advance faster than its historical average. As of October 18, harvesting had reached 41 per cent of the crop, compared with 31 per cent a week earlier and the five-year average of 37 per cent.
The proportion of the US cotton crop rated good to excellent improved marginally to 35 per cent from 34 per cent in the previous week. Nevertheless, the faster harvesting pace suggested improving near-term supplies, potentially limiting further price gains.
Cotton futures also outperformed major agricultural commodities on Wednesday. Chicago corn, wheat and soybean futures declined amid progress in the US harvest and renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Cotton's gains despite weakness in grain markets indicated relatively stronger buying interest.Market participants are now watching whether the December cotton contract can break above the 12-session range high of 82.25 cents. A sustained move beyond that level could bring 82.86 cents, the September 28 settlement, and subsequently 83.00 cents into focus.
On the downside, the previous resistance zone of 80.86–81.00 cents could provide initial support, followed by 79.80–80.00 cents and the range low of 79.23 cents.
The immediate market direction will depend largely on Thursday's USDA export sales figures, movements in the US dollar, harvesting progress and the outcome of next week's Federal Reserve meeting. Positioning ahead of the December contract's first notice day on November 23 is also expected to influence trading activity.
For Indian textile mills, movements in ICE cotton futures will remain important for assessing import costs and comparing the competitiveness of US cotton with Brazilian supplies.
This morning (Indian Standard Time), December 2026 cotton was traded at 81.26 cents per pound (down 0.57 cent). Cash cotton was traded at 79.58 cents (up 0.95 cent), while the March 2027 contract traded at 84.69 cents (down 0.51 cent). The May 2027 contract traded at 86.30 cents (down 0.54 cent), the July 2027 contract at 86.79 cents (down 0.47 cent), and the October 2027 contract at 80.23 cents (up 0.14 cent). A few contracts remained at their previous closing levels, with no trading recorded so far today.
FTA Pact with US Delayed with Odds Against India
Wednesday, 21st Oct 2026, by S. Venkitachalam (Source: www.apparelviews.com)
The US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s recent statement in New Delhi that “the trade deal is, in price able almost everything is done” A lot of legal technical language that needs to be sorted out. So I am optimistic we will get done should inspire Indian policy makers. But alas, these kind of statements often come from the US side, leading nowhere. The deals as it now looks with the West – Asia War dragging on is likely to be delayed with the US “threatening to impose a 12.5 tariff on India over “forced labour” and a steep 100 percent tariff on India and others for buying Russian oil. Lets analyse GOR’s statement, “With a month of getting here (New Delhi) at one point we announced that we had a deal. Supreme Court struck down a big part of what the deal was based on – so right now we are reconfiguring some of that text” GOR said.The US ambassador said the bilateral trade agreement under discussion is on its way while pointing to surplus trade members. The numbers don’t lie. If you look at the trajectory of our relationship, just go by the numbers. And so, 15 years ago, our bilateral trade was dollar 20 billion. Today it is dollar 240 billion. And it’s continuing to grow. The two leaders Donald Trump and Narendra Modi deal set an ambitious goal of dollar 500 billion in the next few years said GOR. He continued we have two of the biggest economies, working together is a natural partnership and you can look decade by decade and forget the daily bumps. The relationship has been doing this decade by decade and growing.The US Trade representative (USTR) recently proposed a 12.5 percent tariff on exports from 53 countries, including India because of their failure to prohibit import of goods, using forced labour. The announcement came amidst discussions between US officials and their Indian Counterpart in New Delhi regarding details of the frame work agreement which commerce minister Piyush Goyal had said was close to finalisation.
USTR is expected to make known its report on the second probe launched by it regarding excess capacity in 16 countries, including India – a move to replace the temporary 10 percent in place till July 14.The Commerce Ministry said “India remains engaged with the US on the matter as a part of section 301 proceedings. In its submissions to the USTR the ministry made it clear that businesses had dismissed the allegations and described the probe as unjustified. It argued that it was an issue on which there were global rules.
India officials who had discussions will their US counterpart expect USTR to rely or section 301 to impose additional tariffs. This is a main policy lever employed by America to discourage exports and get countries to negotiate duties bilaterally.
Reports have it that a bipartisan group of US senators had unveiled a bill seeking to impose 100 percent tariff on five countries, including India and China for purchase of Russian oil. The new version of the bill includes a provision that allows Trump to waive the sanctions, if he deems it in the US national interest to do so.
On the USTR’s second probe Rajesh Agrawal, Commerce Secretary had said that it will take four to six weeks after the provisional findings are made public that the final levy can be levied. He however indicated that the issue will be handled through the bilateral trade agreement with “possible pathways”, part of the deal that is billing negotiated.
“But we are on a safe way, our understanding is safe, both sides are very clear what is there in the framework deal, what is being negotiated under FTA, and are progressing there, he said.
The commerce secretary reiterated India’s demand for comparative advantage in the trade deal “deals are about comparative advantage, trade deals are all about that”. In the past, Piyush Goyal had said that India wanted to have a tariff advantage over rivals such as China, Asian nations and Bangladesh which compete in segments such as textiles and footwear.
According to Agrawal, “there is no negativity or any sort of differences between India and the US. Both sides know each other’s expectations, what is coming in the frame work deal and both sides know what is beyond the frame work deal that is being negotiated between the two sides”.
Goyal dismissed a report that there was no consensus during the visit of USTR JAMIESON GREER’S visit to India “both sides reaffirmed their commitment to an agreement that is balanced, commercially meaningful and delivers tangible benefits for businesses, farmers, workers and consumers in both countries. Our teams remain fully engaged in achieving this objective. US Ambassador too trashed the report “Both sides had very constructive meetings and reaffirmed through commitments to finalising the trade deal”, he added.
Among other products, India has a stake in the textile sector in the US. Readymade garments, the most important item in the textiles export basket, attract an average duty of 15 percent in the American market. India does not enjoy comparative advantage as Bangladesh being a least developed country, enjoy zero duty access in the US.
Unlike in the US India gets duty – free access for garments in the UK and 27 member European Union (EU). The FTA with the EU – called the mother of all FTAs by the European commission President VAN Der Zeyen will be signed by this year end. “We have been moving fast to deliver our commitments”, she said adding the work on an investment agreement will get accelerated. At the recent G-7 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the conclusion of negotiations for the India – EU FTA as a “Historic achievement”. The FTA would unlock “huge opportunities for trade and investment and contribute towards diversification of supply chains, particularly in the current turbulent political context”.
Modi said the India – EU FTA will benefit Indian start – ups by easing access to funding and innovation eco-systems. The deal would accelerate the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign and strengthen the resolve of the “make in India make for the world” under the agreement with the EU. More than 99 percent of India’s exports will be either zero or very low duty, benefiting industries such as textiles leather, gems and jewellery etc., It will bring in more investment into India.
HTBt Cotton Used by 66% of Surveyed Telangana Farmers
Thursday, 22nd Oct 2026,, Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
66% of Surveyed Farmers in Telangana Use HTBt Cotton Seeds, Study Reveals
Hyderabad, Telangana: Herbicide-Tolerant Bt (HTBt) cotton seeds are being used on a large scale in Telangana. According to a study, approximately 66 percent of the farmers surveyed in the state are using these seeds. However, the commercial cultivation of HTBt cotton has not yet received official approval in India. The study was conducted by the South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC) in collaboration with the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and the National Seed Association of India (NSAI). It analyzes the unauthorized cultivation of HTBt cotton, its spread, and its potential impacts.
Growing Acreage of HTBt Cotton in the Country
According to the study, it is estimated that HTBt cotton is being cultivated on approximately 24 to 30 percent of the total cotton-growing area in the country. The market for these unauthorized seeds is valued at an estimated ₹820 to ₹880 crore.
Among the samples examined in the study, 98.2 percent were found to contain at least one genetically modified (GM) trait. Specifically, 72.7 percent of the samples contained the CP4EPSPS protein—associated with glyphosate tolerance—while 53.7 percent contained the Vip3A protein, which is linked to pest resistance.
Savings on Weed Control Costs
Farmers are increasingly turning to HTBt cotton due to labor shortages and rising costs associated with weed control. Many of the farmers surveyed reported savings of 60 to 80 percent on weed control expenses.
However, according to agricultural scientist G.V. Ramanjaneyulu, herbicide tolerance is not a trait that directly increases crop yield. Experts have raised concerns regarding the potential health and environmental risks of glyphosate. They have emphasized the need for independent scientific assessment, monitoring of seed supply, and the provision of safe alternatives for farmers before granting approval for HTBt cotton.
Drought Threatens Adilabad Cotton Yields
Thursday, 22nd Oct 2026, by Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Drought Threatens Cotton Crop in Adilabad, Telangana; Farmers Fear Losses Due to Declining Yields
Adilabad, Telangana: The cotton crop in the Adilabad district of Telangana is being adversely affected by a lack of rainfall and high temperatures. Due to insufficient soil moisture, cotton plants have begun to wither in many areas. Farmers fear that the lack of adequate rain could lead to a significant drop in production this season. Cotton has been cultivated across approximately 4.30 lakh acres in the district. A prolonged dry spell has caused the condition of the crop to deteriorate in several villages. However, the extent of the damage varies depending on soil type, rainfall levels, and the availability of irrigation facilities.
Fears of a Decline in Cotton Yields
Kareniwal Gopal, a farmer from Tantholi village in the Adilabad rural mandal, stated that he has cultivated cotton on six acres. Despite having access to irrigation, he anticipates a lower yield. According to Gopal, for farmers who lack irrigation facilities, the yield could drop to as low as two quintals per acre. Farmers note that black soil retains moisture for longer periods, which has kept the cotton crop in better condition compared to crops grown in red soil.
Expectations of a Rise in Cotton Prices
Farmers are hopeful that cotton prices could rise from the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹8,667 per quintal—as mentioned in the initial report—to as much as ₹10,000 per quintal. Whether such an increase will actually occur, however, will depend on market conditions.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department has prepared a preliminary report on the drought situation and submitted it to the state government.
According to the initial report, there is growing concern regarding water availability in the region's irrigation projects. Emphasis is being placed on reserving existing water stocks to meet drinking water requirements.
India, New Zealand agree to share trade origin data electronically
Thursday, 22nd Oct 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights: India and New Zealand have signed an MoC on electronic exchange of origin data for trade in goods under their FTA.The pact between CBIC and the New Zealand Customs Service was signed ahead of the FTA taking effect on October 20.It aims to improve customs cooperation, reduce information gaps and give eligible businesses greater certainty on trade.
India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) recently signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) for the electronic exchange of origin data on trade in goods under the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA entered into force on October 20. The MoC is aimed at strengthening customs cooperation and facilitating bilateral trade between the two countries by enabling advance electronic exchange of origin data on goods trade.Vivek Chaturvedi, chairman, CBIC, and Christine Stevenson, comptroller and chief executive, NZCS, signed the MoC, the Ministry of Finance said in a press release.The arrangement reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to use digitalisation and enhanced information exchange for more efficient, secure and predictable cross-border trade. It is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce information gaps and provide greater certainty to traders engaged in bilateral trade.
The MoC will also support effective use of trade preferences under the India-New Zealand FTA and help ensure that benefits negotiated under the agreement reach eligible businesses in both countries more efficiently and with greater certainty.
Secretary DARE Calls for Reimagining Agricultural Higher Education Through Global Partnerships
Thursday, 22nd Oct 2026, (Source: www.pib.gov.in)
Addressing Indian agricultural diaspora at the World Food Prize Foundation programme in the United States virtually, Dr Jat highlights industry–academia collaboration, policy dialogue and international knowledge exchange
Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has called for reimagining agricultural higher education to prepare future professionals to address global challenges, including climate change, natural resource degradation, biodiversity loss and the growing demand for nutritious and healthy food. Addressing a Roundtable organized on the sidelines of the '2026 Norman E Borlaug International Dialogue' during the World Food Prize Foundation at Des Moines in the United States virtually, Dr. Jat delivered his remarks as President of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), India. He acknowledged the Academy’s representation at the programme by its Secretary, Dr. B.S. Dwivedi; Foreign Secretary, Dr. Karim Meredia; and Convener of the International Chapter for the Western Hemisphere, Dr. P.V. Varaprasad.In his address, Dr Jat emphasised the need to transform agricultural education and research to meet the evolving requirements of agri-food systems. He highlighted India’s long-standing partnerships with global institutions, noting that international collaboration enables mutual learning and provides opportunities to share scientific and educational advancements.He stressed the importance of moving beyond production-centric agriculture towards an integrated agri-food systems and value-chain approach. He underscored the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to develop industry-ready human resources and facilitate industry participation across the agri-food value chain, including support for farmers.Highlighting the role of NAAS in agricultural policy and research, Dr Jat noted the importance of policy dialogues, policy papers and policy briefs in addressing critical issues in agricultural research and development. He emphasised the need to bring together researchers, policymakers, academic institutions, industry and other stakeholders to develop collaborative solutions to emerging challenges.
Dr Jat also highlighted efforts to connect the Indian agricultural diaspora with domestic research and educational institutions. Strengthening these networks, he noted, can facilitate international knowledge exchange and contribute to reimagining agricultural higher education through global expertise and experience.Referring to efforts to expand international institutional partnerships, Dr Jat highlighted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST). The partnership is expected to create new avenues for cooperation in agricultural research, capacity development and knowledge exchange.
Dr. Jat expressed confidence that stronger international partnerships would contribute to advancing agricultural research, education and extension, with particular relevance for countries of the Global South. He called for collective efforts to transform agri-food systems and build a more resilient and sustainable future for agriculture worldwide.
