Attractive prices are boosting India’s cotton exports to global markets such as Bangladesh, China and Vietnam. 

Starting the 2023-24 season strong, India’s cotton exports hit 15 lakh bales in October 2023, matching the entire marketing season of 2022-23 at 15.5 lakh bales. 

This led to the Cotton Association of India (CAI) revising export projections for the current season to 22 lakh bales, with expectations of reaching 25 lakh bales.

Priced at Rs 4,000-5,000 per candy, Indian cotton is cheaper than international rates, which resulted in shipments of 10 lakh bales during Jan-Feb’24.

CAI has also revised cotton production estimates upwards by 5 per cent to 309.70 lakh bales for the current season. Cotton consumption estimates have also been revised to 317 lakh bales. Cotton stock are estimated to be restricted to 20 lakh bales by September, leading to experts predicting a limited supply in the near future..

Consolidating India's position as a key player in the global cotton market, the domestic cotton industry is booming with rising exports, competitive pricing, and adjustments in production and consumption estimates.