Cotlook Index: 04-11-2026
88.90 (-0.50)
India's port cargo growth outpaces capacity: FICCI
Thursday, 5th Nov. 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights
India's port cargo rose 38 per cent between FY2017–18 and FY2025–26, while handling capacity grew 22 per cent, FICCI-Kearney says. At four core seaports, 84 per cent of measured export time came after approval, pointing to coordination gaps beyond berths and cranes. The report urges 2030 gateway strategies for containers, transshipment, industrial and energy cargo, and export corridors.
India needs to look beyond port capacity and develop globally connected trade gateways because cargo growth is outpacing capacity expansion and delays in the export cycle are concentrated after approval, according to a FICCI-Kearney report.India’s Maritime Agenda for 2030: From efficient ports to globally connected trade gateways says the next phase of maritime growth will be shaped less by berths and cranes than by the shipping services, inland links, logistics and industry that connect ports to markets. It calls on government and industry to develop differentiated strategies by 2030 for four types of gateway: container gateways, transshipment hubs, industrial and energy gateways, and specialised export corridors. Cargo handled at India’s major and non-major ports rose 38 per cent between FY2017–18 and FY2025–26, from 1,209 million tonnes to 1,668 million tonnes, while handling capacity grew 22 per cent to 2.8 billion tonnes a year. Utilisation rose from 52 per cent to 59 per cent, leaving the system with considerable headroom.Average vessel turnaround at major ports fell 18 per cent to about 49 hours. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Pipavav and Mundra all ranked among the top 30 in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index 2025, the report showed. The delays now lie elsewhere. At the four core seaports covered by the 2025 National Time Release Study, export approval took about 30 hours on average, but the interval between approval and vessel departure stretched to about 158 hours, or 84 per cent of total measured time. At Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House, customs clearance for exports averaged 2 hours 12 minutes in 2026, yet the full export cycle exceeded eight days. The report cautioned that this reflected logistics activity and scheduled waiting, not only avoidable delay, but said it showed where coordination matters most. Transshipment remains a second weakness, with about 75 per cent of India’s transshipment containers handled at overseas ports as of May 2025. The commissioning of Vizhinjam that month added deepwater domestic capacity, but subsequent shifts in shipping-line rotations showed how hard hub status is to secure. Private participation has expanded under the Major Port Authorities Act 2021, with privately run terminals handling about two-thirds of major-port cargo, against a government target of 85 per cent by 2030. Inland, 84 of the 294 road and rail projects identified to link ports with their hinterlands had been completed by July 2026, and the 1,506-km Western Dedicated Freight Corridor connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority with Dadri was fully commissioned in March 2026, according to the report. Drawing on the experience of Shanghai–Ningbo, Rotterdam, Jebel Ali and Singapore, the report assessed Indian gateways against six pillars, from berth productivity and liner services to industrial clusters and digital border systems. For government, the report recommended that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and state governments define the cargo, industrial catchments and overseas markets each priority gateway will serve, and align investment with demonstrated demand. It also called for road and rail links to be prioritised around actual cargo flows, jointly with the railways and road transport ministries, and for shipment data and time-release studies to be used to identify where cargo spends time and why.
The report also proposed a designated coordinator for each gateway, with every intervention assigned an owner, a funding route and a milestone. Performance should be tracked on total shipment cost, transit reliability, market access, cargo growth and commercial returns.
US cotton futures rebound 1.39% after Democrat's win
Thursday, 5th Nov. 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights
US cotton futures rebounded 1.39 per cent on Wednesday as a weaker dollar and technical buying lifted prices from a nearly one-month low. The ICE December 2026 contract settled at 78.11 cents per pound, after touching its highest level since October 26.
Faster US harvesting, higher ICE certified stocks, weak grains and a projected 14 per cent drop in India's cotton output shaped sentiment.
US cotton futures rebounded sharply on Wednesday, recovering from a nearly one-month low as the dollar weakened following Democratic gains in the US mid-term elections. Technical buying from oversold levels also supported prices. However, faster-than-average US harvesting, rising ICE certified stocks and weakness in grain markets continued to pose challenges to a sustained recovery. The most active ICE December 2026 cotton contract settled 107 points, or 1.39 per cent, higher at 78.11 cents per pound, compared with 77.04 cents in the previous session. During early trading, the contract reached its highest level since October 26. The settlement represented a recovery of 126 points from Tuesday’s low of 76.85 cents.The rebound followed Tuesday’s decline, when harvest-related selling pressure and weakness in grain markets pushed cotton futures to their lowest level since October 8. According to market analysts, the cotton market witnessed a strong rebound, apparently driven by external macroeconomic factors, particularly the election results. Cotton had repeatedly tested lower levels and appeared somewhat oversold, suggesting that technical trading contributed to the recovery. The US dollar index slipped to its lowest level in more than a month after Democrats reportedly secured control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the mid-term elections. The results raised expectations of a divided government, with Republicans retaining the White House while Democrats controlled Congress, potentially leading to legislative gridlock. A weaker dollar supported cotton futures by making dollar-denominated US cotton relatively cheaper and more competitive for overseas buyers. Reduced concerns about contested election results also helped improve broader market sentiment. However, cotton market fundamentals remained mixed. ICE certified cotton stocks increased sharply to 65,678 bales as of November 3, compared with 26,978 bales on the previous trading day. This represented an increase of 38,700 bales in a single session. Certified stocks had stood at 27,865 bales on October 26. Meanwhile, the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) latest Crop Progress report showed that 63 per cent of the cotton crop had been harvested as of November 1, compared with 52 per cent a week earlier and the five-year average of 54 per cent. The faster harvesting pace indicated continued seasonal supply pressure.
In India, the Cotton Association of India (CAI), in its first estimate for the 2026–27 cotton season beginning in October, projected production at 28 million bales of 170 kg each, compared with 32.569 million bales in the previous season. The estimated decline of approximately 14 per cent reflected reduced planting acreage in major cotton-growing states and the impact of dry weather conditions. Lower Indian production could offer some support to global cotton prices. Weakness in competing agricultural commodities remained another concern. Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) corn futures dropped to a four-month low on Wednesday, while soybean futures touched an 11-week low amid expectations of abundant US crops and uncertainty surrounding export demand. Market sentiment improved as December cotton futures recovered above the 77.05-cent level. However, the rebound appeared to be driven primarily by macroeconomic developments and technical buying rather than a significant improvement in underlying supply-demand fundamentals. Although the weaker dollar and expectations of reduced Indian production provided support, accelerated US harvesting, higher certified stocks and continued weakness in grain markets could limit further gains. This morning (Indian Standard Time), December 2026 cotton traded at 78.43 cents per pound (up 0.32 cent). Cash cotton was quoted at 75.86 cents per pound (up 1.07 cents), while the March 2027 contract traded at 82.25 cents per pound (up 0.29 cent). The May 2027 contract traded at 83.80 cents per pound (up 0.24 cent), the July 2027 contract at 84.05 cents per pound (up 0.03 cent), and the October 2027 contract at 77.87 cents per pound (up 0.38 cent). A few contracts remained at their previous closing levels, with no trading recorded so far today.
Cotton Prices Fall ₹1,000 in Maharashtra as Import Duty Exemption Extended
Thursday, 5th Nov. 2026, by Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Cotton Prices Drop by ₹1,000 Following Extension of Import Duty Exemption Until December 31 Drought in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Reduces Yield to 4 Quintals per Hectare; Farmers Face Estimated Losses of Up to ₹113 Crore Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Cotton prices in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district have fallen by ₹1,000 per quintal. When the new cotton harvest began arriving in the market, the price stood at ₹9,500 per quintal; it has since dropped to ₹8,500 per quintal. The central government’s decision to extend the 11% import duty exemption on cotton until December 31, 2026, is expected to exert further downward pressure on prices in the domestic market. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district is a major hub for cotton production. This year, drought and adverse weather conditions have negatively impacted both the yield and quality of the crop. Cotton is cultivated across approximately 2.82 lakh hectares in the district. Due to poor weather, the average yield is estimated to have fallen to about 4 quintals per hectare.
According to traders and the ginning industry, approximately 11.30 lakh quintals of raw cotton are expected to reach the market in the district. A price decline of ₹500 per quintal could result in a reduction of about ₹56.50 crore in the total sales value for farmers. A drop of ₹1,000 per quintal could push these losses to approximately ₹113 crore. Based on a 33% lint recovery rate from raw cotton, it is estimated that about 74,500 bales will be produced in the district. Calculations by the ginning industry suggest that a price decrease of ₹1,000 per bale could lead to a reduction of approximately ₹7.45 crore in the total sales value of the lint. District Superintendent Agriculture Officer Deepak Gawali stated that to ensure better prices for cotton growers, it is essential to promote exports and consider providing necessary duty-related concessions. Shantilal Pahade, Chairman of the Vaijapur-based Bhagyoday Ginning Industry, remarked that an increase in import duty exemptions could continue to exert pressure on cotton prices. The ginning industry is already grappling with economic challenges due to a decline in both production and quality this year. Furthermore, the increased availability of cheaper imported cotton could negatively impact the demand for domestic lint.
Cotton Prices Fall ₹500 in Karimnagar Markets; Peddapalli Rates Drop to ₹7,300
Thursday, 5th Nov. 2026, by Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Cotton prices in Karimnagar markets drop by ₹500 per quintal Pressure on prices due to extended import duty exemptions and high moisture content; prices in Peddapalli fall to ₹7,300 Karimnagar: Cotton prices in the agricultural markets of the former Karimnagar district in Telangana have seen a decline of approximately ₹500 per quintal over the past few days. Before the onset of the Dussehra festival, when procurement began, cotton was trading at over ₹9,000 per quintal; however, the price has now fallen to around ₹8,500 per quintal. According to traders, the central government's decision to extend the import duty exemption on cotton until December 31, 2026, has exerted downward pressure on prices in the domestic market. The government had previously granted an import duty exemption from June 1 to October 31, 2026, which has now been extended by an additional two months. While cotton procurement in the markets commenced before Dussehra, the volume of arrivals increased significantly following the festival. At the Jammikunta agricultural market, the initial auction price for cotton was ₹9,250 per quintal, which has since dropped to ₹8,500. Cotton with high moisture content or poor quality is fetching prices even lower than the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹8,667 per quintal. In the Peddapalli market, too, cotton prices have witnessed a notable decline. Previously, cotton was trading there between ₹9,000 and ₹10,000 per quintal, but prices have now fallen to a range of ₹7,300 to ₹8,500 per quintal. Market experts anticipate that prices may decline further in the coming days. According to market sources, the price of baled cotton has decreased from ₹68,000 to ₹62,000 per quintal. Meanwhile, the price of seed cotton has fallen from ₹4,800 to ₹4,200 per quintal. A market source indicated that imported American cotton is available to Indian ginning mills at ₹62,000 per quintal. Consequently, local traders are offering lower prices for domestic cotton. Excess moisture content in the cotton is another major reason for the decline in prices. Some farmers are bringing cotton to the market yards without drying it thoroughly, which has led traders to offer lower rates. This price drop has compounded the difficulties faced by farmers; the cotton crop’s development had already been adversely affected by deficient rainfall, pest infestations, and the rising cost of pesticides. Speaking to the ‘Deccan Chronicle’, R. Mallesham, Secretary of the Jammikunta Market Yard, explained that the decline in prices is due to high moisture content in the cotton and the extension of the exemption period for import duties. He expressed concern that prices could fall further in the coming days. However, he noted that the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) is prepared to procure cotton and has established a procurement center at the market yard. So far this season, approximately 12,000 quintals of cotton have arrived at the Jammikunta market.
Madhya Pradesh Cotton Prices Reach ₹8,700 per Quintal at Jobat Mandi
Thursday, 5th Nov. 2026, by Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Madhya Pradesh: Cotton reaches a maximum price of ₹8,700 per quintal at Jobat Mandi; farmers hopeful for better returns On Wednesday, the Jobat Agricultural Produce Market (Mandi) in Alirajpur district recorded the highest arrival of cotton. According to the market price sheet, the maximum price for cotton reached ₹8,700 per quintal. Alirajpur: Data regarding crop arrivals and market prices for Wednesday was released by the Jobat Agricultural Produce Market in the Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh. According to the price sheet issued by the market administration, cotton saw the highest volume of arrivals, with a maximum price of ₹8,700 per quintal. This price has raised hopes among local cotton farmers for better financial returns. Hopes for fair prices amidst rising cultivation costs Farmers point out that the cost of cultivation is continuously increasing. Expenses incurred on fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, labor, and transportation are putting a strain on their financial situation. Given this, receiving a fair price for their agricultural produce has become essential. With the maximum price of cotton reaching ₹8,700 per quintal at Jobat Mandi, farmers are optimistic about favorable market rates. However, they emphasize that given the rising production costs, a truly profitable return is only possible if the prices received are sufficiently high. Farmers have urged the market administration to ensure accurate weighing of produce, a transparent auction process, and timely payments. They believe that improved systems at the Mandi would make it easier for farmers to sell their produce and ensure transparency in the trading process. Farmers are now closely monitoring upcoming market trends regarding cotton prices at Jobat Mandi. They remain hopeful that cotton prices will improve further in the coming days, allowing them to secure a better value for their produce.
Gujarat Cotton Prices Fall Below MSP in Handod; Farmers Demand CCI Procurement
Thursday, 5th Nov. 2026, by Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Gujarat: Cotton prices in Handod fall below MSP; farmers demand that CCI begin procurement at ₹8,617 Cotton trading at ₹8,550–8,600 per quintal in Handod; farmers concerned as prices fall below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) Chhota Udepur: Farmers are increasingly concerned as cotton prices at the Handod center in the Sankheda taluka of Gujarat have fallen below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). On Wednesday, the market price for cotton at the center ranged between ₹8,550 and ₹8,600 per quintal, whereas the government-fixed MSP for cotton is ₹8,617 per quintal. Farmers have urged the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to commence cotton procurement at the MSP without delay. Farmers have requested that cotton auctions continue at the Handod center until the CCI begins procurement at the MSP. Cotton arrivals have already commenced at the center, and the prevailing market prices have become a cause for concern for the farmers. They believe that the start of government procurement will ensure they receive a fair price for their produce. Currently, three cotton ginning units are operational at the Handod center, with a fourth unit expected to begin operations soon. The Handod center typically sees a significant volume of cotton arrivals; consequently, farmers have demanded the immediate commencement of auctions and government procurement at the MSP. On Wednesday, cotton prices at the Handod center were recorded between ₹8,550 and ₹8,600 per quintal, while at the Bodeli APMC, prices ranged from ₹8,600 to ₹8,800 per quintal. Given that market prices in Handod remain below the MSP, farmers have reiterated their demand for the CCI to begin procurement as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the registration of farmers for selling cotton at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) resumed on Wednesday after a gap of 22 days. According to APMC sources, 2,960 farmers in Chhota Udepur district have registered so far. Of these, the registration of 640 farmers has been successfully completed, while the registration of 2,320 farmers remains pending. The registration portal, which had been closed for the past 20 to 22 days, was reopened on Wednesday. Farmers hope that with the acceleration of the registration process, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) will soon begin procuring cotton at the MSP, enabling them to benefit from the stipulated support price.
Latur Farmers Protest Cotton Import Duty Exemption
Thursday, 5th Nov. 2026, (Source: www.money.rediff.com)
Latur farmers protest the Centre's extension of customs duty exemption on cotton imports until Dec 31, fearing a fall in domestic prices and burden on growers.Key Points Latur farmers protested the Centre's extension of customs duty exemption on cotton imports.
The Krantikari Shetkari Sanghatana claims the move will harm domestic cotton growers.
·Farmers fear increased imports will cause domestic cotton prices to fall.The exemption, initially set to expire, was extended until December 31. Latur, Nov 5 (PTI) A farmers' group held protests in Latur district on Thursday against the Centre's decision to extend existing customs duty exemption on cotton imports until December 31, alleging the move would adversely affect domestic cotton growers. The Krantikari Shetkari Sanghatana burnt a copy of the government resolution in front of the Ausa tehsil office to register their protest.
The move would encourage large-scale cotton imports from overseas, leading to a fall in domestic prices, KSS state president Rajiv Kasbe claimed. "Farmers, already reeling nder drought, would be further burdened as they might not get remunerative prices. The entre's policies are aimed at depressing prices of both cotton and soybean," he added. The Union government last month extended the existing customs duty exemption on cotton imports until December 31. The extension was notified by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, on October 30. In May, the government had exempted cotton imports from customs duties for five months, till October 31, 2026. It has now been extended to December 31.
Ministry of Textiles Successfully concludes Special Campaign 6, achieving significant milestones in Swachhata and Sustainability
Thursday, 5th Nov. 2026, (Source: www.pib.gov.in)
The Ministry of Textiles successfully concluded Special Campaign 6, conducted from 2nd to 31st October 2026, with active participation from its attached and subordinate offices, autonomous bodies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The campaign focused on promoting cleanliness, improving administrative efficiency, reducing pendency, strengthening record management and encouraging sustainable waste disposal. Special Campaign 6 witnessed active participation from all subordinate offices and organizations under the Ministry of Textiles. These organizations undertook various activities, including cleanliness drives, plantation programmes, scrap disposal, e-waste management, record management and other initiatives, contributing significantly to the successful implementation of the campaign. Also to ensure effective planning, coordination and monitoring, a dedicated committee was constituted under the chairmanship of the Deputy Director General (DDG), comprising three members.Under the campaign, the Ministry and its associated organizations generated ₹10,15,814/- through scrap disposal and freed 44,025 square feet of office space. Out of 20,950 physical files reviewed, 8080 were weeded out, while 6,727 e-files were reviewed and 996 were closed. Cleanliness activities were conducted at 242 sites. The Ministry also achieved 100% disposal of Public Grievances and Public Grievance Appeals against the targets set. Further, implementation reports for 9 out of 26 Parliamentary Assurances were sent to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.Also in E-waste management initiative, revenue of ₹3,62,096/- has been realized so far. The remaining anticipated revenue is under recovery and will be credited in due course.Important Activities Undertaken by the Ministry of Textiles under Special Campaign 6 Several initiatives were undertaken to promote environmental awareness and institutional cleanliness. The campaign commenced on 2nd October 2026 at NIFT Delhi with a tree plantation drive inaugurated by Secretary (Textiles), in the presence of senior officers.
Gandhi Jayanti Marked with Swachhta and Cleanliness Activities at NIFT Delhi As part of Special Campaign 6, the Ministry of Textiles organized a Cyber Security Awareness Workshop to sensitize officers and staff about the importance of cyber security and safe digital practices. The session focused on emerging cyber threats, phishing and other online risks, password security, safe handling of digital information, and responsible use of official IT systems. The initiative aimed to strengthen cyber hygiene, enhance awareness among employees, and promote a secure digital working environment across the Ministry and its subordinate organizations.Under Special Campaign 6, the Ministry of Textiles placed special emphasis on Effective management of e-waste through its identification, collection, segregation and systematic disposal. Various offices and subordinate organizations were encouraged to undertake e-waste disposal as part of the campaign, ensuring that obsolete electronic items were handled in an environmentally responsible manner. Awareness activities, including a session on e-waste management, quiz and essay competitions, were also organized to promote understanding of the environmental impact of e-waste and encourage sustainable practices among officers and staff. A dedicated textile waste collection initiative, “Textiles for Tomorrow (पुरानेवस्त्र, नईसंभावनाएँ)”, was undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to promote reuse, recycling and sustainable management of textile waste. The initiative has received an encouraging response, with a total of 1003 kg of post-consumer textile waste collected through the drive.Craft from Waste’ – Promoting Creativity and ReuseIn an innovative initiative reflecting NIFT's creative and design-oriented ethos, the institute undertook the ‘Craft from Waste’ activity, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into useful and decorative articles. These creatively prepared items were also used to beautify identified campus areas, promoting the principles of reuse, recycling and waste reduction.Publicity and OutreachThe Ministry undertook extensive publicity through PIB releases and social media platforms to highlight the achievements of its subordinate organizations. A total of 12 PIB releases and 2,960 social media posts were published, comprising 2,055 static creative posts and 690 reels/shorts. The campaign achieved 2,80,697 reach/impressions and 40,854 engagements through likes, shares and comments.The successful conclusion of Special Campaign 6 reflects the Ministry of Textiles continued commitment to Swachhata, sustainable resource management, transparency and efficient governance through coordinated efforts across its organizations
