India's overall cotton output for the 2024-25 season (beginning in October) is forecast to decrease to 30.175 million bales from 32.745 million bales in the previous 2023-24 season, according to a report by the Cotton Association of India (CAI).

The CAI report attributes this anticipated decline to reduced production in Gujarat and North India, specifically citing lower yields in Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana. However, Atul Ganatra President, CAI notes, the quality of the cotton produced will remain good.

As of the end of January 2025, India's total cotton supply is estimated at 23.426 million bales. This includes 18.807 million bales in fresh arrivals, 1.6 million bales in imports, and a starting stock of 3.019 million bales.

Cotton consumption is projected to reach 11.4 million bales by the end of January 2025, with exports totaling 800,000 bales.

The estimated stock at the end of January 2025 is 11.226 million bales. This includes 2.7 million bales held by textile mills and 8.526 million bales held by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), the Maharashtra Federation, and other entities (including MNCs, traders, ginners, and exporters).

The CAI has maintained its domestic consumption projection at 31.5 million bales, consistent with the previous month's estimate.

Exports for the 2024-25 season are estimated at 1.7 million bales, significantly lower than the 2.836 million bales exported in the 2023-24 season, CAI adds.