Fashion
Acreage compression to cap India’s cotton output in CYi 2026: ICRA
However, despite a reduction in acreage, cotton yield continues to rise, improving by 1.8 per cent year on year (YoY) in Indian cotton year (CYi) 2026.
Despite leading the world in acreage, the cotton sown area in India has been steadily declining, with levels being 20 per cent lower than the peak acreage levels of 2021, ICRA said.
Despite a reduction in acreage, cotton yield continues to rise, growing by 1.8 per cent YoY in Indian cotton year 2026.
India’s cotton output is likely to dip by 1.7 per cent YoY in CYi 2026, first advance estimates show.
The Indian CY runs from October to September, distinct from the global CY, whose duration is from August to July.
Following a 9-per cent YoY contraction in CYi2025, the acreage is seen reducing by around 3 per cent YoY in CYi 2026 due to several factors like water shortage issues in the northern region, uneven monsoons and a shift towards more profitable alternative crops in many regions.
However, cotton output is likely to dip by 1.7 per cent YoY to 29.2 million bales in CYi 2026, according to the first advance estimates released by the department of agriculture and farmers welfare, taking the output to its lowest levels in the last ten years, ICRA said in a note.
Domestic consumption, on the other hand, is expected to remain flat. While domestic demand is stable, the effects of US tariffs on Indian apparel exports on the downstream sectors is likely to affect overall consumption.
Amidst lower cotton output, the dependence on cotton imports has been rising—up by 85 per cent on a YoY basis to 1.5 million bales of 170 kg in the first five months of fiscal 2025-26 (FY26). Imports now meet over 10 per cent of demand.
Owing to weak demand and import duty waiver, cotton prices have been trading marginally below the minimum support price (MSP) since November 2024. MSP on cotton increased by 8 per cent for CYi 2026. Accordingly, the gap has widened further in recent months.
Despite the lower output, the subdued cotton yarn demand (domestic plus exports) is likely to keep the cotton price low in the next few months in India, ICRA noted.
Following a flat trend in the first half (H1) of FY26, domestic cotton fibre prices fell by 3 per cent month on month (MoM) in November 2025. Against this, average cotton yarn prices fell by 4 per cent.
ICRA anticipates a stabilisation of contribution levels at ₹98-100 per kg for FY26 due to moderation in realisation expected in H2 FY26.
ICRA’s sample set of 13 companies, which accounts for 25-30 per cent of the Indian industry’s revenue, is expected to report a 4-6 per cent decline in revenues on a YoY basis in FY26.
Additionally, margins of spinners are expected to contract by 50-100 basis points in FY26, primarily due to weaker performance expected in the second half.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
The Puerto Rico-inspired cleat introduces a vibrant new Lindor v3 colorway created with powerhouse shortstop Francisco Lindor featuring a repeating Coquí frog pattern of Puerto Rico’s national animal. The Japan model debuts as an Ohtani v1 colorway honoring Shohei Ohtani and incorporating Japan’s national colors and the Flag of Japan through a navy boot with a striking metallic red New Balance “N” Lock logo.
New Balance has introduced its International Baseball Pack, a series of performance cleats celebrating the heritage of its global athletes.
The collection includes country-inspired versions of the Lindor v3, Ohtani v1, 3000 v7, 4040 v8 and Velo v4.
Designs pay tribute to Francisco Lindor, Shohei Ohtani and others, featuring national colours, symbols and cultural details.
“I wanted the design to honor the spirit of the island I love,” said Francisco Lindor, New Balance athlete. “The Coquí frog’s sound is such an iconic symbol for Puerto Ricans, and bringing that to life on the Lindor v3 makes this cleat truly meaningful to me.”
Additional cleats in the collection include designs celebrating New Balance athletes Cal Raleigh (USA), José Altuve (Venezuela), Jeremy Peña (Dominican Republic), and Ha-Seong Kim (South Korea).
“As fans of baseball first, we have deep appreciation for the distinct styles and rhythm of play that each culture brings to the game,” said Matt Nuzzo, Sr. Product Manager, American Football and Baseball Footwear at New Balance. “The International Baseball Pack celebrates and reflects the pride of our international roster. Being able to celebrate spirit of our athlete’s home countries was incredibly meaningful to us.”
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
Total merchandise trade between the two countries stood at $3.62 billion in FY24-25. They share complementarities across several sectors, and the FTA will be a catalyst to further enhance the bilateral trade by providing certainty and predictability to businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a press release.
India and Israel have begun the first round of FTA negotiations in New Delhi through February 26, 2026, following the November 2025 ToR signing.
With bilateral trade at $3.62 billion in FY25, talks cover goods, services, rules, SPS, TBT and IPR.
Officials highlighted opportunities in technology and innovation, aiming for a balanced pact to boost trade, supply chains and economic cooperation.
During this round, technical experts from both sides will engage in sessions covering various aspects of FTA such as trade in goods, trade in services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedure and trade facilitation, intellectual property rights, among others.
During the opening session, Indian Commerce Secretary, Rajesh Agrawal, underscored that the FTA negotiations had begun at an opportune moment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel from February 25-26, 2026.
Agrawal underscored the significant opportunities available to both sides in sectors such as innovation, science and technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, high-tech manufacturing, agriculture, and services. He emphasised that the FTA would enable both countries to harness and fully leverage these opportunities.
Chief Negotiator of India, Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, reiterated the significance of this engagement for the two countries and encouraged both sides to work on a balanced agreement to build a forward-looking framework for an evolving partnership.
Chief Negotiator of Israel for the FTA, Yifat Alon Perel, Senior Director Trade Policy and Agreements and Deputy Trade Commissioner, Foreign Trade Administration, Ministry of Economy and Industry, Israel, expressed that the two countries shared a close relationship, and that the FTA has the potential to strengthen supply chains, enhance cooperation and open new markets for both countries.
This engagement highlighted the strategic importance of India-Israel bilateral relationship and reinforces India’s commitment to strengthen economic partnerships in line with national priorities and global aspirations. Both sides are working towards concluding a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement, added the release.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
New Balance reported record 2025 global sales of $9.2 billion, up 19 per cent year on year, marking its fifth straight year of double-digit growth.
North America and Europe led gains, while apparel and owned retail each crossed $1 billion.
The brand expanded manufacturing, digital and distribution capabilities, deepened athlete partnerships, and donated $17.3 million to 95 nonprofits worldwide.
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US’ New Balance unveils International Baseball pack
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