Based on the input from state associations and trade sources, Cotton Association of India (CAI) has revised its cotton pressing estimate for the 2024-25 season by 645,000 bales to 29.53 million bales (170 kgs each).
The total cotton supply until the end of February 2025 is estimated at 27.576 million bales, comprising 22.357 million bales of pressings, 2.2 million bales of imports, and an opening stock of 3.019 million bales. Cotton consumption up to February 2025 is estimated at 14.2 million bales, while export shipments are estimated at 900,000 bales. The closing stock at the end of February 2025 is projected to be 12.476 million bales.
The CAI has also adjusted its total cotton supply estimate for the entire 2024-25 season to 35.549 million bales, a decrease of 245,000 bales from the previous estimate. This supply includes the opening stock, the revised pressing estimate, and estimated imports of 3 million bales. Notably, the estimated cotton imports are significantly higher than the previous year.
Domestic cotton consumption for the season remains unchanged at 31.5 million bales. However, the export estimate has been revised to 1.7 million bales, substantially lower than the previous season's estimate of 2.836 million bales. The closing stock at the end of the 2024-25 season is projected to be 2.349 million bales, lower than the previous year's closing stock.
Key points from the CAI Crop Committee meeting include: domestic consumption remains constant, cotton pressing estimates have been reduced due to lower-than-expected output in Gujarat and Maharashtra, import estimates have increased, export estimates remain low, and closing stock is projected to be lower than the previous year. The CAI will continue to monitor pressing numbers and make adjustments as needed.
