Cotlook Index: 09-10-2026
90.65 (Unch)
Bangladesh seeks end to Indian anti-dumping duties on jute, PET film
Monday, 12th Oct 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights: Bangladesh has urged India to remove land port export restrictions and anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi jute products and PET film at the 16th Joint Working Group on Trade meeting in New Delhi.Dhaka also sought continued tariff preferences after LDC graduation, improved border infrastructure, faster cargo clearance and stronger regional connectivity to boost bilateral trade. Bangladesh has urged India to remove restrictions on exports through land ports and other non-tariff barriers, while seeking the withdrawal of anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi jute products and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, according to a statement by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce.
The issues were taken up at the 16th meeting of the Bangladesh-India Joint Working Group on Trade, which began in New Delhi on October 8 for two days of discussions on bilateral trade barriers, border infrastructure and regional connectivity, the ministry said.Dhaka also asked New Delhi to consider extending existing tariff preferences for Bangladeshi exports after Bangladesh graduates from the least developed country (LDC) category, including benefits under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement, Bangladesh's media reported, citing the ministry statement.The Bangladeshi delegation called for a review and removal of curbs affecting exports through Indian land ports, saying the changes were needed to improve market access and protect domestic exporters. The two sides are also discussing ways to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, harmonise product standards and simplify procedures for obtaining Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification.Maintaining preferential access to the Indian market after LDC graduation remains a concern for Bangladesh, as the loss of existing benefits could make its products less competitive in India, as per Bangladesh's media reports.Bangladesh also sought wider cargo truck movement through Indian territory to Nepal and Bhutan to create additional export opportunities. It further stressed the need to make the CEOs' Forum more effective to improve direct engagement and co-operation between businesses in the two countries.The delegation highlighted infrastructure gaps at India's land customs stations, including access roads, parking yards, warehouses, sheds, goods inspection facilities and quarantine services. It also called for higher border port capacity and faster cargo clearance to reduce delays and trading costs.India, in turn, raised the issue of restrictions on its exports of cotton yarn and other goods to Bangladesh through certain land ports. New Delhi also sought action on obstacles affecting exports from India's northeastern states to Bangladesh.Regional connectivity and multimodal transport are also on the agenda, including the effectiveness of the Akhaura-Agartala link and other trade routes. The two sides are discussing improvements in bilateral rail connectivity and issues related to border haats to make cross-border trade more efficient.Businesses in both countries continue to face market access barriers and limitations in border infrastructure and cargo movement, despite their geographical proximity and potential for regional economic integration. Addressing these challenges could boost bilateral trade, lower transport costs and enhance export competitiveness, as per the statement from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce.
A 10-member Bangladeshi delegation, led by Ayesha Akter, additional secretary to the Ministry of Commerce, attended the meeting.
India, ASEAN seek faster progress on trade agreement review
Monday, 12th Oct 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights: ASEAN hosted the 15th AITIGA Joint Committee in Jakarta from October 6-9, where India and ASEAN reviewed negotiations on the trade-in-goods pact and directed sub-committees to accelerate pending review chapters.Three of eight sub-committees met on legal issues, market access and rules of origin.The next hybrid Joint Committee meeting is due in India in January 2027.
India and ASEAN have directed all sub-committees under the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) review to expedite pending chapters, setting firm, time-bound deliverables and calling for close coordination to ensure measurable progress, India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry said.The direction came at the 15th AITIGA Joint Committee and related meetings, hosted by ASEAN at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, from October 6 to 9, 2026. The meetings reviewed progress and negotiations under AITIGA and were held in hybrid format alongside sub-committee meetings.The meeting was co-chaired by Nitin Kumar Yadav, additional secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India, and Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, deputy secretary general (trade), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia. Delegates represented ASEAN countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.The meetings served as a forum to deepen collaboration, enhance mutual understanding and sustain dialogue between the two sides, according to the ministry. India and ASEAN reaffirmed their shared commitment to a balanced, constructive and forward-looking agreement. Both sides underscored their commitment to resolving outstanding policy issues, deepening economic integration and modernising AITIGA into a mutually beneficial framework that strengthens bilateral trade.
The next AITIGA Joint Committee meeting will be held in India in January 2027 in hybrid mode to review progress made by the sub-committees and provide further guidance for the timely conclusion of negotiations.
Karl Mayer to present warp knitting innovations at India ITME 2026
Monday, 12th Oct 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights: Karl Mayer will showcase warp knitting, warp preparation and technical textile solutions at India ITME 2026 in Greater Noida on December 4–9.Highlights include tricot and jacquard machines, digital presentations and an expanded Indian spare parts webshop.Its offering targets growing demand for athleisure, footwear, geotextiles and composite reinforcement fabrics.
India‘s textile industry is undergoing a profound transformation: What was previously a production hub driven primarily by cost and volume is increasingly evolving into a market focused on technology, exports, and value creation. KARL MAYER supports this change with high-performance machinery solutions and innovative textile concepts and is therefore looking forward to INDIA ITME 2026 with great anticipation.At the textile machinery trade show, taking place December 4–9, 2026, in Greater Noida, the company will be showcasing an exclusive technology and application show for WARP KNIT, WARP PREP and TECHNICAL TEXTILES at Booth 15G19 in Hall 15. The focus will be on multimedia machine presentations, the latest textile innovations, and, above all, personal interaction with KARL MAYER‘s experts.WARP KNIT customers can also look forward to a special trade show highlight in the service area: The Care Solutions team has expanded the SPARE PARTS WEBSHOP for India to include common wear parts for knitting machines and will be presenting the offering for the first time at INDIA ITME.
Warp knit: Growth through new technologies and products
Among the exhibition highlights for WARP KNIT are the latest-generation Tricot machines and Jacquard double needle bar raschel machines. These models are in particularly high demand in light of the Indian government‘s restructuring plans: The Indian textile industry is set to diversify, and to this end, the production and processing of man-made fibres will be further expanded.
The athleisure and footwear sectors, in particular, are growing rapidly and driving investment in KARL MAYER machines.
“We‘re seeing a great deal of interest in our technology from circular knitters. They recognize the advantages in terms of output and consistent quality and want to expand their product range to include warp knitted fabrics,“ explains Mark Smith, deputy vice president of sales business unit warp knitting at KARL MAYER.
Among the bestsellers in India are two- and three-bar Tricot machines. When manufacturing high-quality items for comfortable, functional athleisure wear, they impress with their high flexibility and efficiency. Visitors to INDIA ITME can see for themselves the performance of the latest models in these successful product range during machine demonstrations on large screens.
Another highlight of the show is the new Jacquard double needle bar raschel machines for producing shoe uppers with Jacquard patterns, which were officially launched just recently at ITMA ASIA. These new machines offer significantly greater design flexibility.
A showcase of exclusive textiles and trendy application examples also inspires new products and business opportunities. In addition to classic home textiles and apparel items, the focus is on current hot topics such as woven-like WARP KNIT, 4-way stretch fabrics, and functional athleisure items. Mark Smith sees particularly great potential in seamless body-mapping concepts and shoe fabrics with diverse jacquard patterns. He expects to have numerous discussions with trade show visitors on these topics.
The sales expert is also contributing his technological and market expertise to the trade show’s supporting programme. At the „Textile Horizons“ conference, Mark Smith will be among the keynote speakers and panellists, alongside representatives from Bamag, Uster, Brückner, and others. His topic: robotics and automation in yarn and fabric formation.
Warp preparation: For your success in weaving
The business unit Warp Preparation of KARL MAYER presents itself as an innovative full range supplier with a portfolio including creels, direct warping, sectional warping and sample warping machines, sizing and assembly machines, as well as indigio dyeing lines — also presented digitally.
A key advantage for the Indian market is the combination of the PROSIZE sizing machine and the WARPDIRECT warping machine with a V-shaped creel from a single source, given the widespread processing of staple fibres in the market.
The PROSIZE is the leading sizing technology, delivering up to 10 per cent size saving, a cover factor up to 100 per cent and ensuring minimum yarn stretch and zero stop marks.
The WARPDIRECT combines high-speed operation with outstanding reliability, precise winding density control and reduced yarn waste, enabling maximum productivity and consistent high warp quality.
Together, PROSIZE and WARPDIRECT create the perfect solution for superior weaving performance, maximum efficiency, quality and profitability.
Technical textiles: Growth driven by geotextiles and composites
Technical textiles are among the most promising growth sectors in India and also offer attractive prospects for KARL MAYER. There is particularly high demand for warp knitting machines with weft-insertion for the production of geogrids – for example, for slope stabilisation – as well as composite machines for reinforcing fabrics with a wide range of applications.
The transportation sector, in particular, offers great future potential. For instance, composite components are increasingly being used in the cabins of the new electric trains in the Vande Bharat Express series.
The expansion of wind energy is also providing additional momentum: Demand for multiaxial warp knitting machines for the production of reinforcement fabrics for rotor blades is growing steadily.
India‘s textile industry is undergoing a profound transformation: What was previously a production hub driven primarily by cost and volume is increasingly evolving into a market focused on technology, exports, and value creation. KARL MAYER supports this change with high-performance machinery solutions and innovative textile concepts and is therefore looking forward to INDIA ITME 2026 with great anticipation.
India's economy could double to $8 trn in next decade: KKR
Monday, 12th Oct 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights: India's economy could double to around $8 trillion over the next decade, driven by structural reforms and infrastructure investment, KKR said in its October 2026 report.
The firm highlighted strong services exports, expanding Global Capability Centres and AI adoption as growth drivers, while noting that government measures could help shield consumers from high oil prices.
India’s economy could double in size to around $8 trillion over the next decade, driven by structural reforms and infrastructure investment, global investment firm KKR said in its October 2026 report, ‘Thoughts From the Road: Europe and Asia.’
KKR said India’s reform agenda since 2014, including Goods and Services Tax (GST) simplification, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, labour market formalisation and sustained infrastructure development, had raised the country’s long-term growth potential.
The investment firm said India’s economy had crossed $4 trillion and was on track to double again over the next 10 years, with further gains possible from reforms already implemented and future policy measures.KKR maintained a positive long-term outlook for India’s consumer market, although it expected a near-term pause amid crude oil prices of around $100 a barrel. It said government measures to shield households from energy inflation could help limit the impact on discretionary spending compared with previous oil shocks. On the external front, services exports have continued to perform strongly, while Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are emerging as an increasingly important growth driver alongside traditional information technology services, the report said.KKR also challenged concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could disrupt India’s IT sector, arguing that the technology could create new growth opportunities as companies integrate AI into their service delivery systems.More broadly, KKR remained constructive on Asia, citing deeper capital markets, more flexible currencies and stronger foreign-exchange reserve positions than in the mid-1990s. However, it noted increasing differences in the strength of structural growth prospects across countries.The firm said it had become more convinced that the global investment cycle would be broader, more durable and more inflationary than previously expected. It recommended an underweight position in government bonds, while favouring real assets and productivity-driven corporate reform opportunities in private equity.
In credit markets, KKR favoured capital solutions and higher-quality liquid credit, cautioning investors against taking on greater risk by moving into lower-quality assets.
New Textile Scheme Expected Within 3 Months
Saturday, 10th Oct 2026,, Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Central Government to Launch New Scheme for Textile Industry in 3 Months; Calls for GST Relief Intensify Surat: Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh has announced that the central government will launch a comprehensive scheme for the textile industry within the next three months. During his visit to Surat, industry representatives met him to raise issues concerning GST, pending Input Tax Credit (ITC) refunds, and rising yarn prices. Losses for Zari Manufacturers Despite GST ReductionMetallic Zari manufacturers informed the Minister that the GST rate on their products had been reduced from 12% to 5%. However, they are facing financial losses due to the non-receipt of Input Tax Credit refunds.
According to the manufacturers, they pay a higher GST rate on raw material purchases, whereas a lower rate applies to the finished product. They are incurring a loss of approximately ₹7 per kilogram due to the lack of refunds; this figure was cited by industry representatives.
The representatives stated that despite raising the issue multiple times with local officials and the state secretariat, no resolution has been reached. They urged the GST Council to intervene.
Demand for Monitoring Yarn Prices
Textile traders expressed concern over the frequent hikes in yarn prices by spinners. They stated that this is driving up production costs for weavers and textile processors, placing financial strain on the business.
Industry representatives urged the government to regularly monitor yarn prices to ensure manufacturers can procure raw materials at fair rates. Giriraj Singh assured them that prompt action would be taken to address their concerns.
Demand to Raise GST Threshold for Garments Priced Up to ₹10,000
The issue of GST on readymade garments was also raised during a meeting held at the office of the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA). According to industry representatives, an 18% GST applies to garments priced above ₹2,500. They have sought to raise this threshold to ₹10,000 to provide relief to the textile trade; this is an industry demand, not an announced policy change.
The textile industry hopes that the central government's proposed scheme will help address issues related to GST, pending refunds, and rising production costs. However, the detailed contours of the scheme and the scope of the relief will become clear only after an official government announcement.
World Cotton Day: District-Level Workshop in Pahuna Educates Farmers
Saturday, 10th Oct 2026,, Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
District-level workshop held in Pahuna on World Cotton Day; farmers informed about scientific farming and pest management Pahuna. A district-level workshop for cotton farmers was organized in Pahuna on the occasion of World Cotton Day. Organized by CITI-CDRA under the Prime Minister's Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, the workshop aimed to raise awareness among farmers about scientific cotton cultivation, pest management, clean production, and methods to improve crop quality. Farmers were briefed on the project's objectives and achievements during the workshop. Govind Parashar, Project Officer at CITI-CDRA, introduced the project and outlined its key activities and goals. Dr. Ratan Lal Solanki, Senior Scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chittorgarh, along with other agricultural scientists, provided information on scientific cotton farming, improved production techniques, and effective measures to protect the crop from pests. They encouraged farmers to adopt scientific agricultural practices and pay special attention to crop management. Hira Lal Salvi, Aman Vishnavat, and Abhishek Chaudhary from the Agriculture Department informed farmers about various government schemes. Meanwhile, Bharat Sharma highlighted the importance of occupational health and safety during agricultural operations. Representatives from the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) raised awareness among farmers regarding clean cotton production, quality maintenance, and the cotton procurement process. During the workshop, farmers were advised to maintain cleanliness during cotton picking and storage, prevent contamination with foreign matter, and use pesticides safely. Additionally, activities such as field visits, an exchange of suggestions, and a question-and-answer session were conducted. These activities provided farmers with an opportunity to share their challenges and gain agricultural knowledge. The primary objective of the workshop was to connect farmers with modern agricultural techniques, improve cotton quality, and promote clean and safe production practices. Adopting scientific farming and better crop management can help farmers enhance cotton quality and secure better market prices.
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Completes One Year
Monday, 12th Oct 2026, (Source: www.pib.gov.in)
Gaya-Bihar, Nagaur-Rajasthan and Umaria- Madhya Pradesh, Recognised as Best-Performing Districts The ultimate measure of PMDDKY’s success would be the meaningful difference it makes to the lives of farmers: Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Chouhan
Union Minister Calls for Outcome-Oriented Implementation of PMDDKY in its Second Year
As Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) completed one year of implementation on 11th October 2026, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, organised an event today to mark the occasion at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), PUSA, New Delhi. The event was attended by Union Ministers, Secretaries of Central Ministries/Departments, Central Nodal Officers under PMDDKY, senior officers of the Central Government, and more than 370 delegates from the states including District Collectors, district-level functionaries, agricultural scientists and progressive farmers of DDKY districts.Addressing the gathering Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the first year had focused on establishing strong foundations, while the coming year must be dedicated to delivering visible and measurable outcomes on the ground. He highlighted the importance of improving agricultural productivity, increasing cropping intensity, strengthening irrigation and water management, facilitating access to agricultural credit, promoting high-value agriculture, improving post-harvest infrastructure and enhancing farmers’ incomes.Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised that the ultimate measure of PMDDKY’s success would be the meaningful difference it makes to the lives of farmers. He called upon all stakeholders to strengthen coordination, accelerate implementation and focus on measurable improvements in agricultural outcomes and sustainable farm incomes. The participation of Allied Ministries/Departments reflected the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to agricultural development.Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to working with State Governments, district administrations, scientific institutions and farmers to translate district action plans into tangible results. The coming year will focus on scaling up successful interventions and improving outcomes across all identified districts, with the overarching vision of making all 100 PMDDKY districts truly “Dhan-Dhaanya” — rich in grain and rich in prosperity.Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan also emphasised that the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, scheduled to be organised across all States from 22 October to 30 November 2026, aims to promote soil health through the balanced and judicious use of fertilisers. The Minister encouraged all State Governments and concerned authorities to actively participate in the campaign and ensure its successful implementation. He highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to maintain soil fertility, protect the environment, and preserve natural resources for future generations. In his welcome address, the Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, highlighted the district-centric approach of the scheme, under which action plans are prepared by districts in accordance with their soil conditions, rainfall, cropping patterns, water availability, infrastructure and the needs of their farming communities. He acknowledged the contribution of State Governments, District Collectors, District Nodal Officers, Central Nodal Officers, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) scientists and field functionaries in implementing the scheme. He also underscored the importance of the District Dhan-Dhaanya Samitis in coordinating planning and implementation. The scheme monitors district performance against 121 indicators through a dedicated dashboard, with monthly rankings encouraging transparency and healthy competition among districts. As part of the programme, representatives of three PMDDKY districts shared their experiences and innovative initiatives. Gadchiroli district presented its work on water conservation and drought resilience, Alluri Sitharama Raju district highlighted initiatives for the promotion of high-value horticulture, and Banka district showcased the Lilawaran Natural Farming Land Revival Model. The presentations demonstrated how locally tailored interventions, supported by convergence and farmers’ participation, can address agricultural challenges and generate replicable solutions.
The programme also recognised outstanding district performance under PMDDKY. Gaya district, Bihar, secured first position; Nagaur district, Rajasthan, secured second position; and Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh, secured third position among the best-performing districts overall. In addition, 18 districts were recognised for exemplary work across the six key objectives of the scheme, namely enhancing agricultural productivity (Chatrapati Sambhji Nagar, Maharastra, Chitrakoot, UP; Geyzing, Sikkim); encouraging crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices (Mahoba, UP; Dindori, MP, Chamoli, Uttrakhand); augmenting post-harvest storage capacity(Tiakamgarh, MP, Sidhi, MP, Dantwada, Chhtisgarh); improving irrigation infrastructure (Kishtwar, J&K, Dahod, Gujrat, Chhota Udaepur, Gujrat); enabling greater access to short-term and long-term agricultural credit (Narayanpet, Telangan, Jalaun, UP, Sri Stahya sai, AP); and better governance and service delivery(Nagar Kurnool, Telengana, Kachchh, Gujrat, Haveri, Karnataka). The felicitation acknowledged district-level efforts in advancing agricultural development and encouraged other districts to adopt innovative practices and improve their performance.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening district-level planning, promoting innovation and ensuring effective convergence of Central and State Government schemes for inclusive and sustainable agricultural development. The emphasis remained on translating the achievements of the first year into tangible benefits for farmers through improved productivity, resilient agricultural practices, enhanced infrastructure and better access to institutional credit. The Government reaffirmed its resolve to work in close coordination with State Governments, district administrations, scientific institutions and farming communities to achieve the objectives of PMDDKY and make the 100 identified districts models of agricultural progress, prosperity and farmers’ welfare.
Prime Minister Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), announced in Union Budget 2025-26, was formally launched on 11th October, 2025 to cover 100 districts with low productivity, low cropping intensity and less agricultural credit disbursement. The Scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity, increase adoption of crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices, augment post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels, improve irrigation facilities and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit.
The scheme brings together 36 Central schemes of 11 Ministries and Departments, along with relevant State Government schemes, under a convergent framework to address district-specific agricultural priorities.
