India's cotton imports in the 2025-26 season, which ended on 30 September 2026, are estimated at 62 lakh bales, according to the Cotton Association of India (CAI). That is 21 lakh bales more than the previous season's 41 lakh bales. By the end of July, about 54 lakh bales had already arrived at Indian ports.
Supply comfortably ahead of demand
CAI's August report put the main numbers for the season as follows:
- Crop (pressing): 339 lakh bales, raised by 2 lakh bales from the earlier estimate.
- Mill consumption: 348 lakh bales, up from 319 lakh bales last season.
- Exports: 15 lakh bales, down from 18 lakh bales.
- Total supply: 456.59 lakh bales, including opening stock and imports.
CAI expects closing stock at the end of the season of about 93.59 lakh bales, roughly 38 lakh bales more than a year earlier. As of July, mills held about 87 lakh bales, with the rest with the Cotton Corporation of India, traders, ginners and others.
What it means for Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is one of India's leading centres for cotton spinning, weaving and denim, and its mills are among the largest buyers of Gujarat cotton. A season that opens with large stocks generally gives mills more choice and more bargaining power when buying raw cotton, instead of the scramble for supply seen in tighter years.
Higher mill consumption, up about 9% on last season, also shows that demand for cotton yarn and fabric has been firm, which matches the stronger cotton textile export numbers seen in recent months.