The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has released its latest cotton pressing estimate for the 2024-25 season, which began on 1st October 2024. Based on information collected from members of 11 state associations and trade sources, CAI has retained its pressing estimate for the season at 311.40 lakh bales of 170 kgs each (equivalent to 326.78 lakh running bales of 162 kgs each), keeping it unchanged from the previous estimate. The state-wise pressing numbers and the season’s balance sheet, alongside comparative data from the previous crop year, have also been shared. As of end-July 2025, total cotton supply is projected at 374.43 lakh bales of 170 kgs each (equivalent to 392.92 lakh running bales of 162 kgs each). This includes 302.24 lakh bales of pressing, 33.00 lakh bales of imports, and an opening stock revised to 39.19 lakh bales following a CAI survey. Consumption up to July 2025 is estimated at 261.66 lakh bales, while export shipments are pegged at 16.00 lakh bales. The stock at the end of July is projected at 96.77 lakh bales, consisting of 32.50 lakh bales with mills and 64.27 lakh bales with CCI, traders, ginners, exporters, and others, including cotton already sold but pending delivery. Looking ahead, CAI estimates the total cotton supply by 30th September 2025 at 389.59 lakh bales of 170 kgs each (equivalent to 408.83 lakh running bales of 162 kgs each), slightly higher than the previous estimate of 380.59 lakh bales. This comprises the opening stock of 39.19 lakh bales, pressing of 311.40 lakh bales, and imports revised to 39.00 lakh bales, a significant increase compared to 15.20 lakh bales estimated in 2023-24. Meanwhile, domestic consumption has been raised to 314.00 lakh bales (previously 308.00 lakh bales), reflecting higher industry demand. Exports for the season are projected at 18.00 lakh bales, notably lower than 28.36 lakh bales recorded in 2023-24.

• Consumption: CAI revised consumption for 2024-25 upwards by 6.00 lakh bales, estimating 314.00 lakh bales for the full season. Till July, consumption stood at 261.66 lakh bales.
• Pressing: Pressing numbers for 2024-25 remain unchanged at 311.40 lakh bales, with any revisions to be considered in future updates.
• Imports: Imports for the season are estimated at 39.00 lakh bales, a sharp increase from 15.20 lakh bales in the previous year. Till July 2025, 33.00 lakh bales had already reached Indian ports.
• Exports: Cotton exports are now projected at 18.00 lakh bales, up slightly from the earlier estimate of 17.00 lakh bales but still lower than last year’s 28.36 lakh bales.
• Closing Stock: By 30th September 2025, closing stock is projected at 57.59 lakh bales, higher by 18.40 lakh bales compared to the previous year’s 39.19 lakh bales. This increase is largely due to higher imports. Survey data shows mills holding 26.00 lakh bales, equivalent to about one month of consumption, while CCI and others hold around 13.00 lakh bales. The CAI emphasizes that the increased imports and higher closing stock could influence supply dynamics, with ongoing monitoring by the Crop Committee to ensure accurate updates for the industry.