Cotlook Index: 15-07-2026
89.95 (-0.75)
ICE cotton gains after two-day decline amid weaker US dollar
Thu. 16th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: ICE cotton futures rebounded after a two-day decline, with the December 2026 contract settling 0.68 cent higher at 81.55 cents per pound, supported by a weaker US dollar, stronger crude oil prices, and commodity markets.
Traders remained focused on West Texas weather, China's reserve auction, and US export demand, while ICE-certified cotton stocks declined, indicating tighter deliverable supplies.
ICE cotton futures recovered yesterday after a two-day decline, finding support from a weaker US dollar, which encouraged buying from overseas buyers as US cotton became more attractive. Strength across commodity markets also provided additional support to cotton prices.
The most active December 2026 contract settled at 81.55 cents per pound, up 0.68 cent. The contract rebounded after two consecutive sessions of losses, erasing nearly all the recent pullback and leaving it up 1 cent for the week. Other nearby contracts settled 24 to 96 points lower. Trading remained very light, with only 27 contracts traded and 149 contracts of open interest.
Cotton prices were supported by the weaker US dollar and strength across commodity markets, while traders continued to closely monitor weather conditions in key US cotton-producing regions. Despite the rebound, activity in the US cash market remained slow due to limited old-crop supplies, with most new-crop sales already committed.
Market analysts said the market remained quiet with no major cotton-specific news. They also noted that China's state reserve auction, scheduled to begin on July 20, has had little impact on prices so far.
The US Dollar Index fell for a sixth consecutive session after the June Producer Price Index (PPI) showed inflation easing more than expected. The softer inflation data strengthened expectations of future US interest rate cuts, pushing the dollar to its lowest level since early June and improving the competitiveness of US cotton exports.
Trading volume totalled 42,900 contracts, compared with 47,826 contracts in the previous session. Although lower than recent averages, activity remained moderate by 2026 standards.
Crude oil prices strengthened after renewed attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea raised concerns over global shipping disruptions. Higher crude oil prices increased the production cost of polyester fibre, thereby improving cotton's relative competitiveness.
Other agricultural markets also provided support. CBOT September wheat futures rose more than 3 per cent, while corn and soybean futures advanced on continued weather concerns across the US Midwest.
Weather remained the market's primary focus. Recent forecasts have become less threatening, but West Texas has still not received sufficient rainfall. If favourable weather conditions continue through the remainder of the growing season, current yield potential could be maintained. However, weather remains the key risk for cotton production.
The latest USDA weather update indicated that hot and dry conditions persisted across parts of Texas and the southern Plains, while scattered showers elsewhere provided only limited relief and were insufficient to significantly improve soil moisture in some cotton-growing areas.
ICE-certified cotton stocks declined sharply to 100,612 bales as of July 14, down from 121,285 bales the previous day, a reduction of 20,673 bales. Over the past six reporting sessions, certified stocks have fallen by a total of 84,422 bales, highlighting the continued tightening of deliverable US cotton supplies.
Overall, cotton futures recovered as support from a weaker US dollar, firmer crude oil prices and ongoing weather concerns outweighed the lack of fresh cotton-specific news. Meanwhile, traders continue to monitor weather conditions in West Texas, China's reserve auction, and the pace of US export demand.
This morning (Indian Standard Time), ICE December 2026 cotton was trading at 81.11 cents per pound (down 0.44 cent), while cash cotton was at 76.56 cents (up 0.21 cent). The October 2026 contract traded at 80.56 cents (up 0.96 cent), the March 2027 contract at 82.45 cents (down 0.48 cent), the May 2027 contract at 83.20 cents (down 0.46 cent), and the July 2027 contract at 82.58 cents (down 0.44 cent). A few contracts remained unchanged at their previous closing levels, with no trading recorded so far today.
Textiles Minister unveils 'India T&A CXO Blueprint 2030' at Bharat Tex
Thu. 16th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh unveiled the 'India Textiles & Apparel CXO Blueprint 2030' at Bharat Tex 2026.
Prepared by CMAI and GATS, the report outlines a capability-led roadmap to achieve $100 billion in textile and apparel exports by 2030 through circularity, traceability, product diversification, resource-efficient manufacturing and AI-driven technologies.
Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh unveiled the 'India Textiles & Apparel CXO Blueprint 2030', jointly prepared by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) and the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability (GATS), during Bharat Tex 2026.
The report outlines a strategic roadmap to help India's textile and apparel industry achieve its target of $100 billion in exports by 2030 by shifting its focus from cost competitiveness to capability competitiveness.
The report was launched at the Sustainability & Circularity Impact Pavilion (Hall 14) in the presence of global buyers. Speaking at the launch, Singh said the report had been released at an opportune time during Bharat Tex and would serve as a valuable guide for India's textile ecosystem, helping stakeholders unlock new growth opportunities and strengthen the sector's global competitiveness.
According to the report, India's textile and apparel exports have remained stagnant at around $40 billion for the past six years despite global trade growing at a much faster pace. India's exports have grown at only 0.8 per cent annually, compared with 3.5 per cent growth in global textile and apparel trade. Although India is the world's sixth-largest textile and apparel exporter, accounting for around 4.1 per cent of global trade and employing nearly 45 million people, the report says future growth will depend on building stronger capabilities across the value chain rather than expanding manufacturing capacity alone.
The report highlights favourable global conditions, including shifting sourcing strategies and new bilateral trade agreements with the European Union, the United Kingdom, the UAE, Oman, Australia and New Zealand, alongside rising demand for transparent and sustainable supply chains. However, it cautions that these opportunities can only be converted into export growth if enterprises strengthen product development, traceability, documentation and operational capabilities.
To enhance India's global competitiveness, the Blueprint identifies five strategic priorities: circularity, end-to-end traceability, resource-efficient manufacturing, product diversification, and technology adoption through artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digital systems.
The report also highlights India's competitive strengths, including 83.2 per cent domestic value addition in textile and clothing exports, one of the deepest integrated value chains globally. India accounts for 12.3 per cent of global cotton exports and 10.5 per cent of global carpet exports. However, it notes that more than 52 per cent of India's textile exports come from just 134 product categories, underscoring the need for greater product diversification.
Speaking at the launch, Santosh Katariya, president of CMAI said, India has earned global recognition as a manufacturing destination, but future growth will depend on building capabilities that create greater value for customers and global brands. He said the Blueprint provides a practical roadmap for strengthening competitiveness through innovation, collaboration, sustainability and execution.
Naveen Sainani, chairman of ESG committee and general secretary of CMAI said, sustainability is becoming central to business competitiveness and that the Blueprint aims to help enterprises, particularly MSMEs, integrate sustainability, technology and operational excellence to improve resilience and unlock new business opportunities.
Parvinder Singh, director of GATS said, India already possesses one of the world's strongest textile manufacturing ecosystems and that closer collaboration, knowledge sharing and implementation would help position the country as a global leader in sustainable textiles.
CITI honours sustainable textile excellence at Bharat Tex 2026
Thu. 16th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: CITI honoured sustainability leaders at the CITI Textile Sustainability Awards 2026 during Bharat Tex in New Delhi, with Union Minister Pabitra Margherita presenting the awards.
CITI also partnered with SLCP to help MSMEs meet ESG requirements.
Awards recognised excellence in sustainable manufacturing, energy efficiency, cotton, HR, innovation and academic contributions.
The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) honoured organisations, institutions and individuals driving sustainability across the textile value chain at the CITI Textile Sustainability Awards 2026, held during Bharat Tex 2026 in New Delhi.
Union Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs Pabitra Margherita presented the awards, recognising outstanding contributions to sustainable manufacturing, responsible sourcing, resource efficiency, innovation and social impact.
The awards ceremony brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles, representatives from United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), global industry bodies and textile industry leaders to celebrate excellence in sustainability and responsible business practices.
The event also reinforced CITI's commitment to advancing sustainable growth and promoting collaboration across the Indian textile industry.
Addressing the gathering, CITI Chairman Ashwin Chandran said, "We have always been committed to the Triple Bottom Line approach and to bringing stakeholders together to advance the cause of sustainability. The CITI Textile Sustainability Awards reflect that commitment by recognising innovation, collaboration and leadership in building a more sustainable textile industry."
A key announcement at the event was CITI's collaboration with the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) to help Indian textile manufacturers, particularly MSMEs, address evolving sustainability expectations, responsible business practices and human rights due diligence requirements.
SLCP is a multi-stakeholder initiative comprising brands, manufacturers, industry associations, civil society organisations and audit firms that works to promote decent working conditions across global supply chains.
The awards recognised achievements under two major segments:
The CITI Textile Sustainability Awards honoured excellence in climate-resilient cotton production, textile heritage revival, sustainable cluster development, energy efficiency, Kasturi Cotton promotion, HR excellence and academic contributions to sustainability.
The ‘CITI Birla Economic & Textile Research Foundation Awards’ recognised excellence in:
· Effective chemical management and compliance in textile wet processing
· Low carbon footprint initiatives in textile manufacturing
· Data-driven sustainability excellence in textile manufacturing
· Achieving ESG compliance through innovation
A Special Award was also presented to recognise a municipal corporation demonstrating outstanding leadership in waste management through effective collection, segregation, recycling and resource recovery.
Among the major winners, Cottonguru Maha Farmers Producer Company Limited received the ‘CITI-IDH Climate Resilient and Inclusive Cotton Production Award,’ while Varaha ClimateAg Private Limited and Indo Count Foundation were named first and second runners-up, respectively.
Mauna Dhwani Foundation (MDF) won the ‘CITI-Aalekh Foundation Textiles Heritage Reviver Award,’ with Patakaara Fashion & Textile Design Studio and Ka-pore by Moumita securing the first and second runner-up positions.
The Tiruppur Exporters Association received the ‘CITI-UNIDO Best Cluster Initiative Towards Sustainable Textile Production Award,’ while Indo Count Industries Ltd won the ‘CITI-BEE Energy Efficiency in Textile Sector Award.’
Under the ‘CITI-TEXPROCIL Kasturi Cotton Mitra Award,’ Ram Lal (associated with CITI CDRA) emerged as the winner, followed by Narayan Lal (associated with CITI CDRA) and T Poochiappan.
Amit Cott Fibre won the ‘CITI-TEXPROCIL Leading Kasturi Cotton Ginner Award,’ with Shree Ram Fibres and Shree Vallabh Trading Company named first and second runners-up.
Brandix Apparel India Private Limited received the ‘CITI-RBC Best HR Practices Award,’ while Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International School of Textiles & Management (SVPISTM) was recognised as the Best Academic Institution for its contribution to sustainability.
Cotton, Maize and Soybean Crops Face Threat as Erratic Rainfall Distresses Pachora Farmers
Thu. 16th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Cotton, Maize, and Soybean Crops at Risk in Pachora; Farmers Distressed by Erratic Rainfall
Pachora (Maharashtra), July 16: Cotton, maize, and soybean crops in the Pachora taluka of Maharashtra's Jalgaon district are being affected by erratic rainfall. Farmers are increasingly concerned due to a prolonged dry spell following the initial rains at the onset of the Mrig Nakshatra. There are fears of stunted crop growth and a significant decline in yields.
Cotton is the primary cash crop in Pachora taluka. Many farmers had sown cotton between mid-May and early June with high hopes. However, the long gap in rainfall following the initial showers has hampered crop growth. Apart from cotton, maize and soybean crops are also suffering due to the lack of rain.
The average annual rainfall in the taluka is 743.47 millimeters. Last year, the region recorded approximately 125% of the normal rainfall. In contrast, only 161.6 millimeters of rain has been recorded up to the beginning of July this year. Due to the scanty rainfall, rivers and canals in the taluka have not yet received adequate water.
The shortage of water in local sources has directly impacted irrigation. Many wells have dried up. Despite having drip irrigation facilities in their fields, farmers are unable to provide sufficient water to the cotton crop because the wells lack water. The lack of rain has caused the grass on farm bunds to dry up, and many crops are on the verge of withering.
However, rainfall in some areas has brought some relief to farmers and accelerated agricultural activities. Farmers are busy with tasks such as weeding, applying chemical fertilizers, and spraying pesticides.
Maharashtra Kharif Sowing Reaches 60% of Normal Area, Trails Last Year
Thu. 16th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Kharif sowing in Maharashtra reaches 60% of normal acreage; lags significantly behind last year
Mumbai, July 15: Kharif crop sowing in Maharashtra had covered 86.92 lakh hectares by July 13. According to state government data, this represents approximately 60% of the normal Kharif sowing area (excluding sugarcane). However, the pace of sowing is significantly slower compared to the same period last year.
By July 13 last year, Kharif crops had been sown across 120.65 lakh hectares in the state, accounting for nearly 84% of the normal area. A substantial shortfall in sowing acreage has been recorded so far this year.
Crop damage due to heavy rains
According to preliminary assessments by the Maharashtra government, heavy rains, strong winds, and hailstorms in July have damaged 6,673 hectares of agricultural and horticultural crops across the state.
However, the government reports that sowing activities are now picking up pace in several districts. Farmers in areas affected by heavy rains have begun re-transplanting paddy. Meanwhile, crops sown earlier are currently in the germination and early growth stages.
Kharif crop sowing across the country is lagging behind last year's figures due to a weak southwest monsoon. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kharif crops had been sown across 531.25 lakh hectares nationwide by July 10, compared to 632.69 lakh hectares during the same period last year. Consequently, there has been a decline of approximately 16% in sowing acreage at the national level.
Paddy acreage dropped to 114.69 lakh hectares from 125.53 lakh hectares last year. Oilseed acreage also declined from 149.18 lakh hectares to 117.83 lakh hectares; within this category, soybean acreage fell from 107.72 lakh hectares to 90.51 lakh hectares. In contrast, the sugarcane acreage increased from 56.72 lakh hectares to 57.58 lakh hectares, and the area under jute and mesta rose from 6.16 lakh hectares to 6.28 lakh hectares.
Agriculture Minister Optimistic Kharif Sowing Deficit Will Be Covered by August 15
Thu. 16th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Agriculture Minister Expects Kharif Sowing Deficit to be Covered by August 15
New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday that the shortfall in the area sown with Kharif crops could be made up, as the sowing season continues until August 15. He stated that the government is closely monitoring the monsoon and the progress of sowing.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a conference organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Chouhan said there is still sufficient time for Kharif sowing. He said, "Kharif sowing takes place up to August 15. Rainfall was deficient in June, but there has been good rainfall in the first week of July. There is a possibility of good rainfall after July 20 as well."
He noted that the total area sown with crops up to July 10 in the current Kharif season is lower compared to the same period last year. However, he expressed hope that sowing would pick up pace in the coming days and the deficit in acreage would be covered.
Chouhan stated that the central government is continuously monitoring the situation and efforts are being made to ensure the timely availability of seeds, fertilizers, and other essential agricultural inputs to farmers. When asked if the sowing deficit could be bridged through improved sowing activity, he said, "There is a possibility. I am very hopeful."
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, the total area sown with Kharif crops up to July 10 stood at 531.25 lakh hectares, down 15.93 percent from 631.88 lakh hectares during the same period last year.
The acreage for oilseeds declined by 21 percent to 117.83 lakh hectares. Within this category, the area under soybean fell by 16 percent to 90.51 lakh hectares.
Rain Revives Narma Crop in Muklawa, Farmers Expect Better Yield
Wed. 15th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Rainfall Gives New Life to Narma Crop in Muklawa Region; Farmers Hope for Good Yield
Recent good rainfall has greatly benefited the Narma (cotton) crop in the Muklawa region. Crop growth in the fields has accelerated, and the plants appear lush and green. Adequate moisture is fostering the development of new leaves, raising farmers' hopes for a better harvest.
Farmers state that the timely rainfall has proven to be a lifeline for the crop. Previously, intense heat and a lack of moisture were hindering plant growth, but conditions in the fields have improved significantly following the rain. Flowering has also begun on the Narma plants in many fields.
According to agricultural experts, balanced and timely rainfall is beneficial for the Narma crop; it enhances plant growth and increases yield potential. However, they have advised farmers to immediately drain any water that remains stagnant in the fields for extended periods to prevent root damage and ensure the crop remains healthy.
Rainfall Deficit Worries Cotton and Soybean Farmers in Yavatmal
Wed. 15th July 2026, Jayesh Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Concerns Mount for Cotton and Soybean Farmers in the Mahan Area of Yavatmal District, Maharashtra, Due to a Break in Rainfall
Mahan, Yavatmal (Maharashtra): Farmers in Mahan and surrounding areas are worried due to a lack of rainfall over the past week, following a spell of continuous rain in early July. While cotton farmers had swiftly completed weeding operations with the help of laborers during the rains that began on July 7, the current dry spell is raising concerns about the health of soybean and other Kharif crops.
Continuous rainfall between July 1 and July 7 had disrupted field activities such as weeding, the application of chemical fertilizers, and other agricultural tasks. However, favorable weather conditions from the evening of July 7 through July 14 allowed farmers to complete most of the pending work. Although essential field operations are largely finished, timely rainfall remains crucial for the healthy growth of the crops.
The absence of rain for the past eight days has left Kharif crops—including cotton, soybean, arhar (pigeon pea), jowar (sorghum), urad (black gram), and moong (green gram)—struggling with a lack of moisture. Soybean crops sown in the first week of July, in particular, are in urgent need of water at this stage. Rising temperatures and depleting soil moisture are causing soybean plants to wilt, further heightening farmers' anxiety.
Bharat Tex 2026 Day 2 Spotlighted State Opportunities and India’s Expanding Global Trade Partnerships
Wed. 15th July 2026 (Source: www.pib.gov.in)
The second day of Bharat Tex 2026 placed a strong focus on state-led growth, investment opportunities and India’s expanding textile trade partnerships with global markets. The programme for the day brought together State Governments, policymakers, industry representatives and trade experts to discuss measures to strengthen manufacturing, attract investment and improve the global competitiveness of India’s textile and apparel sector. Bharat Tex 2026, being held from 14 to 17 July 2026, provided a major platform that connected India’s textile heritage, manufacturing capabilities, innovation, and international markets.
key highlight of the day was the Uttar Pradesh State Session, organised by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The session presented the State’s growing textile ecosystem and its potential across manufacturing, apparel, handloom, handicrafts and other segments of the value chain. Shri Rakesh Sachan, Minister for Handloom and Textiles, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Ravindra Jaiswal, Minister of Stamp and Court Fee and Registration, Government of Uttar Pradesh, were the key dignitaries associated with the session.
Shri Rakesh Sachan, Minister for Handloom and Textiles, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Ravindra Jaiswal, Minister of Stamp and Court Fee and Registration, Government of Uttar Pradesh, during the Uttar Pradesh State Session at Bharat Tex 2026.
The programme also featured the Karnataka State Session, organised by the Government of Karnataka. The session provided a platform to highlight Karnataka’s capabilities in textiles and apparel, its strong industrial base and the opportunities available for enterprises seeking to expand their manufacturing and sourcing operations. The Government of Maharashtra organised a State Session titled “Maharashtra: An Attractive Global Destination for Technical Textiles in India.” Shri Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, was the key dignitary associated with the session. The discussion showcased the State’s potential in technical textiles and its position as an important destination for technology-led manufacturing and investment. It also underlined the growing importance of high-performance and specialised textile products in supporting India’s industrial development.
Shri Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, visits Bharat Tex 2026 and attends a session titled “Maharashtra: An Attractive Global Destination for Technical Textiles in India.”
A productive session chaired by Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh on Brand India named ‘Global Ambitions: Redefining Retail Growth Beyond Borders’ at Bharat Tex
Global trade and Free Trade Agreements formed another important part of the Day 2 programme. The session titled “Scaling Through Synergy: Building Local Capability to Power Global Textile Value Chains” by ITMF & ASSOCHAM focused on strengthening domestic capabilities and connecting Indian enterprises more effectively with international textile value chains. The roundtable titled “India’s FTA Moment: Gateway for Textile Value Chains, Market Access and Sourcing Decisions” by Deloitte examined how India’s Free Trade Agreements could create new opportunities for textile and apparel manufacturers, exporters and sourcing organisations. The discussion focused on improved market access, stronger value-chain integration and informed sourcing decisions in a changing global trade environment. Famous Indian designers Rahul Mishra and Vaishali Shadangule participated in a discussion that was focused on Brand India, named ‘Global Ambitions: Redefining Retail Growth Beyond Borders’ at Bharat Tex. Besides that, a Fireside Conversation on ‘Building Global Fashion Enterprises from India: Innovation, Sustainability and Scale’ by NIFT also took place.
A Ministerial Discussion titled “India–UK CETA in Action: Shaping the Future of Textile Trade and Investment” by Deloitte further strengthened the day’s international trade agenda. The session examined the opportunities emerging from the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and its potential to support textile trade, investment and business partnerships between the two countries. The session titled “Beyond China: Building Tariff-Safe, Compliant & Traceable Hemp Supply Chains for Global Markets” by Heartland Industries addressed the need for diversified and dependable supply chains. It highlighted the importance of tariff preparedness, compliance and traceability in enabling Indian businesses to serve global markets with greater confidence. Also, CITI Textile Sustainability Awards 2026, takes place, recognising responsible business practices across seven focus areas: Resource Efficiency, Energy & Emissions, Circular Economy, Sustainable Materials, Social Responsibility, Responsible Business and Industry Collaboration. Dr. Mohan Yadav, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, will be visiting on Day 3 of the event to interact with exhibitors, encourage entrepreneurs, and witness the state's growing textile capabilities at the Madhya Pradesh Pavilion.
Through these focused engagements, Day 2 of Bharat Tex 2026 reinforced the role of State Governments in building competitive textile ecosystems while advancing India’s engagement with global markets. The discussions encouraged investment, strengthened domestic capabilities and helped Indian textile enterprises explore the effective use of emerging trade opportunities. Bharat Tex 2026 continued to bring India’s complete textile value chain onto a common platform, enabling dialogue among governments, industry leaders, manufacturers, exporters, buyers and international partners. The State and FTA-related sessions held during the day reflected India’s commitment to building a globally connected, investment-ready and future-focused textile sector.
