Fashion
India’s cotton production holds steady at 311.4 lakh bales: CAI
CAI’s August estimates are: 29.55 lakh bales in the North Zone, 186.50 lakh bales in the Central Zone, 89.50 lakh bales in the South Zone, and 5.85 lakh bales in Odisha and other states.
The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has kept its August 2025 cotton production estimate unchanged at 311.40 lakh bales, with higher consumption projected at 314 lakh bales.
Total supply for the 2024-25 season is expected to reach 389.59 lakh bales, including 39 lakh bales of imports.
Exports are forecast at 18 lakh bales, down from 28.36 lakh bales last season.
State-wise estimates are: Punjab – 1.50 lakh bales, Haryana – 8.05 lakh bales, upper Rajasthan – 10.35 lakh bales, lower Rajasthan – 9.65 lakh bales, Gujarat – 77.50 lakh bales, Maharashtra – 90 lakh bales, Madhya Pradesh – 19 lakh bales, Telangana – 49.50 lakh bales, Andhra Pradesh – 12 lakh bales, Karnataka – 24 lakh bales, Tamil Nadu – 4 lakh bales, Odisha – 3.85 lakh bales, and other states – 2 lakh bales.
Total cotton supply until the end of July 2025 is estimated at 374.43 lakh bales, comprising pressings of 302.24 lakh bales, imports of 33 lakh bales, and an opening stock of 39.19 lakh bales.
CAI estimates domestic cotton consumption up to the end of July 2025 at 261.66 lakh bales, while export shipments during the same period are estimated at 16 lakh bales. Stocks at the end of July 2025 are estimated at 96.77 lakh bales, including 32.50 lakh bales with textile mills and 64.27 lakh bales with CCI, the Maharashtra Federation, and others (MNCs, traders, ginners, exporters, etc), including cotton sold but not delivered.
For the full 2024-25 cotton season (ending September 30, 2025), CAI projects total supply at 389.59 lakh bales, compared to the previous estimate of 380.59 lakh bales. This includes the opening stock of 39.19 lakh bales on October 1, 2024, production of 311.40 lakh bales, and imports of 39 lakh bales (up from 15.20 lakh bales in the 2023-24 season).
The CAI has also increased its domestic consumption estimate for 2024-25 to 314 lakh bales, from 308 lakh bales previously. Exports for the season are projected at 18 lakh bales, down from 28.36 lakh bales in 2023-24.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
The recommendation follows a survey analysed by researchers from the University of Nottingham and the University of Leicester in collaboration with trade justice charity Transform Trade, which found systemic late payments, last-minute order changes without compensation and post-contract price reductions. Manufacturers reported that such practices shift financial risk from brands and retailers onto suppliers and ultimately workers.
Among respondents, 31 per cent reported order cancellations, while 78 per cent said brands failed to cover costs of last-minute changes to confirmed orders. A further 75 per cent stated prices were not adjusted to reflect minimum wage increases. Additionally, 67 per cent experienced order volumes being reduced without corresponding revisions to unit costs, and 44 per cent faced repeated payment extension requests. Ten per cent reported payments delayed by more than three months beyond agreed terms.
Researchers are urging the UK government to establish a Garment Trading Adjudicator after a survey by the University of Nottingham, University of Leicester and Transform Trade found widespread unfair purchasing practices in UK garment manufacturing.
The study highlights systemic late payments, cancellations and cost pressures affecting manufacturers and workers.
Manufacturers said these pressures had direct workforce consequences, including increased overtime to meet sudden order spikes for 73 per cent of workers, reduced hours following cancellations for 58 per cent, and job terminations for 29 per cent.
The survey also revealed limited confidence in formal dispute mechanisms. Only 22 per cent viewed the legal system as a viable route for redress, and none considered government or multistakeholder initiatives effective. Respondents cited financial and legal barriers, stating that pursuing action against brands was often unaffordable.
Dr Sabina Lawreniuk of the University of Nottingham’s School of Geography said, “Our research shows that current brand purchasing practices directly impact workers, resulting in precarious and insecure work across UK factories. Voluntary codes have proven insufficient. If we are serious about protecting workers and supporting a sustainable UK fashion industry, we need a Garment Trading Adjudicator to enforce fair practices across the sector.”
She added that the findings emphasise the need to rebalance relationships between brands and fashion manufacturers in the UK to support domestic manufacturing, sustainable business models, investment strategies, and to strengthen work and employment in the sector.
Professor Nikolaus Hammer of the University of Leicester also highlighted the importance of rebalancing these relationships to ensure sustainable UK production.
The researchers and Transform Trade said a sector regulator, like the Groceries Code Adjudicator, could help curb unfair purchasing practices and create greater accountability across fashion supply chains.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)
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Knitted apparel (HS **) imports declined to NZ$**.** million (~$**.* million) in January **** from NZ$**.** million in January ****, down *.* per cent year on year. Volumes also fell to **.** million units from **.** million units, suggesting weaker replenishment demand and continued emphasis on controlled inventory cycles across the retail segment.
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