India may extend duty-free cotton imports to December
In short
India is expected to keep cotton imports duty-free until the end of December. The current 11% customs duty exemption would help ease shortages, lower local prices and cut costs for textile mills.
This matters for farmers, textile mills and cotton buyers. The report says crop output may stay below demand, but it does not confirm the extension has been approved.
What the reporting says
India is expected to extend the 11% customs duty exemption on cotton imports until the end of December, according to sources, to ease supply shortages and lower domestic prices. The move would also reduce costs for textile mills as domestic cotton prices stay firm and crop prospects weaken. The source says output is estimated below 29 million bales in 2026-27 against demand above 34 million bales, but it does not confirm the policy has been approved.
Why it matters
India is expected to extend the 11% customs duty exemption on cotton imports until the end of December, according to sources. The reported aim is to ease supply shortages, lower domestic prices and reduce costs for textile mills as domestic cotton prices remain firm and crop prospects weaken. The source cites estimated output below 29 million bales in 2026-27 against demand above 34 million bales, but says the extension is not yet confirmed.