The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has increased cotton production estimates by 2 lakh bales to 304.25 lakh bales of 170 kg in its December 2024 report. In its previous report, the industry organisation had estimated production at 302 lakh bales for the current 2024-25 season, which began in October 2024. CAI had finally estimated production at 327.45 lakh bales in the last season, 2023-24.

According to the latest report of December 2024 issued by CAI, the total cotton supply by the end of December 2024 is estimated at 176.04 lakh bales, which consists of production of 133.85 lakh bales, imports of 12 lakh bales, and an opening stock of 30.19 lakh bales.

The industry organisation also estimated cotton consumption at 84 lakh bales by December 2024, while export shipments were estimated at 7 lakh bales. At the end of December 2024, cotton stock was estimated at 85.04 lakh bales. Of this, 25 lakh bales were stocked with textile mills, and the remaining 60.04 lakh bales were with the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), Maharashtra Federation, and others (MNCs, traders, ginners, etc.).

The CAI has stated that the total cotton supply estimate was increased by 2 lakh bales to 359.44 lakh bales by the end of the current marketing season 2024-25 (October-September). The total cotton supply consists of the opening stock of 30.19 lakh bales, cotton production for the season at 304.25 lakh bales, and imports of 25 lakh bales. Cotton import estimates are higher by 9.80 lakh bales compared to the last season.

India’s domestic consumption estimate was increased by 2 lakh bales to 315 lakh bales from the previous estimate. The export estimate was kept unchanged at 18 lakh bales for the current season. However, outbound shipments are likely to decrease by 10.36 lakh bales compared to the last season.

The closing stock at the end of the cotton season 2024-25 on 30th September 2025 is estimated at 26.44 lakh bales.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)