Indian cotton prices face pressure as global prices ease and arrivals rise
Cotton was trading around ₹64,500–65,500 per candy as global futures softened and domestic arrivals increased. New-crop arrivals are expected to rise in October, while the 2026–27 crop may be 10% smaller.
The brand move
Indian cotton prices fell to around ₹64,500-65,500 per candy (356 kg) as global futures eased and arrivals increased. New-crop arrivals of 50,000-55,000 bales of 170 kg each are expected to rise during October, while the 2026-27 crop may be 10 per cent lower.
The numbers
- ₹64,500-65,500 levels per candy (356 kg)
- 50,000-55,000 bales of 170 kg each
- October
- 2026-27 cotton crop
- 10 per cent
Why it matters for the brand
Lower cotton prices and rising arrivals may ease near-term sourcing costs, but plan for volatility as the next crop is expected to be smaller.
What to track next
- October new-crop arrival volumes and whether they exceed seasonal expectations
- Indian spot cotton prices relative to the ₹64,500–65,500 per-candy range
- Global cotton futures direction and domestic basis spreads
- Confirmation of the projected 10% reduction in the 2026–27 crop
- Yarn and fabric price pass-through, supplier lead times, and apparel discounting
The counter-case
Lower cotton prices could reduce input costs for apparel brands and manufacturers, potentially supporting margins; the signal does not show whether brands can capture that benefit, given sourcing contracts, hedging, inventory timing, and yarn or fabric conversion costs. A smaller 2026–27 crop could also reverse the decline.