India's Cotton Sector 2025-26: Rising Stocks, Stable Output

The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has projected 305 lakh bales pressing for the 2025–26 season, based on inputs from 11 state associations and trade sources.

Total supply in October 2025 stood at 93.17 lakh bales, including 24.58 lakh bales pressing, 8 lakh bales imports, and 60.59 lakh bales opening stock.

Monthly consumption was 25 lakh bales, with 1.5 lakh bales exported, leaving 66.67 lakh bales month-end stock.

For the full season, total supply is expected to reach 410.59 lakh bales (vs 392.59 lakh bales last year), driven by higher imports of 45 lakh bales.

Closing stocks by 30 September 2026 are estimated at 93.59 lakh bales, sharply above last year’s 60.59 lakh bales, despite slightly lower production and exports (17 lakh bales).