Cotton off take estimated 2% lower as mills prefer man-made

The country’s cotton consumption during the current 2024-25 season ending September is estimated lower at 307 lakh bales (170 kg), a decline of 2 per cent from last year as mills are showing preference to man-made fibres over cotton, according to the Cotton Association of India (CAI).Per the latest estimates, CAI has reduced consumption estimates by 8 lakh bales to 307 lakh bales, from the initially estimated 315 lakh bales. During 2023-24, cotton consumption was 313 lakh bales. Atul S Ganatra, President, CAI, attributed the downward revision in cotton consumption to the increasing use of man-made fibres, such as viscose and polyester, by spinning mills, mainly in South India. Also, spinning mills are running slower due to the shortage of labourers, causing a fall in cotton consumption, Ganatra told e. He said mills are finding better realisation in viscose at around 98 per cent, compared with cotton at 73/75 per cent. This is also one reason for the mills to shift from cotton to other fibres, hurting consumption. CAI has estimated the 2024-25 crop size at 291.35 lakh bales. Till April-end, the total supply of cotton was estimated at 325.89 lakh bales, including the pressings of 268.2 lakh bales, import of 27.5 lakh bales, and opening stocks of 30.19 lakh bales. Consumption till April-end has been estimated at 185 lakh bales, and exports at 10 lakh bales of 170 kg. April-end cotton stocks are estimated at 130.89 lakh bales, including 35 lakh bales with textile mills, and the remaining 95.89 lakh bales with the Cotton Corporation of India, Maharashtra Federation and others (MNCs, traders, ginners, exporters), including cotton sold but not delivered. CAI projected imports for the 2024-25 season at 33 lakh bales, 17.8 lakh bales more than last year. Exports for the season are estimated at 15 lakh bales, down from last year’s 28.36 lakh bales. About 10 lakh bales were shipped in the first seven months till April-end. The carry forward stocks for the 2025-26 season are estimated at 32.54 lakh bales, marginally up from the previous year’s 30.19 lakh bales.