Indian Cotton Arrival Increased to 36.3 Million Running Bales of 155-157 Kg Each by May 31

The arrival of cotton in Indian markets has increased by 13.72 percent year-on-year to 36.3 million running bales of 155-157 kg each by May 31, 2014, according to the latest monthly analysis of cotton market released by Arun Kumar & Company.

By May 31, about 36.3 million running bales of cotton have arrived in the market, compared to the arrival of 31.92 million bales during the corresponding period in the previous season, says the report.

In Gujarat, 11.8 million bales of cotton reached the market, while the adjoining state of Maharashtra recorded arrival of 7.9 million bales by May-end.

Cotton arrivals of 6.8 million bales and 4.4 million bales were registered in Andhra Pradesh and North Zone markets, respectively, according to the report. Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh recorded cotton arrival of 2.275 million bales and 1.875 million bales, respectively, by May 31, during the current cotton season.

The report estimates Indian cotton crop in 2013-14 season at 38.5 million running bales compared to production of 34.5 million bales in 2012-13 season that ended on September 30 last year, despite a marginal decrease in crop area.

Currently, around 5 million running bales of unsold stock is lying with the ginners, as against the inventory of 5.7 million bales during the same period last year, the report said.

In 2013-14, the report estimates India’s cotton exports at 10 million bales, and the carry over stock at the end of the season is expected to remain at 2.6 million bales, same as that of last year.

In fact, cotton export registration has touched already touched 10 million bales, of which, around 9.5 million bales have already been shipped, according to the report. Meanwhile, yarn exports have increased by about 35 percent over last year.

“Sowing for the next cotton season has already started in North Zone and Gujarat. Overall, sowing is expected to increase by 7-8 percent for the next season owing to good prices this year,” well-known cotton trader Arun Dalal told fibre2fashion.