North India cotton yarn prices dip on weak demand, labour woes

In Ludhiana, purchasing was further discouraged by the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan. However, the trading community remains optimistic about a revival in cotton yarn demand next month. The upcoming festival season is expected to boost local manufacturing activities across the textile value chain.

Export-related manufacturing may also pick up, as European and US importers and brands are likely to place bulk orders for the Christmas season. Panipat’s recycled yarn market is also experiencing sluggish demand, with prices remaining steady amid tight payment conditions.

The Ludhiana market witnessed a price drop of ₹2 per kg across various counts and varieties of cotton yarn due to weak demand from the consumer industry. A trader from the Ludhiana market told Fibre2Fashion, “Tight payment conditions, labour shortages, and nervousness following the India-Pakistan conflict are causing sluggish demand. Mills and stockists were forced to reduce prices amidst the current weak sentiment. However, market sentiment may improve in the coming month as production activity picks up. April and May are typically dull months, preceding a period of heightened activity.”

In Ludhiana, 30 count cotton combed yarn was sold at ₹258-268 (approximately $3.02-3.13) per kg (inclusive of GST); 20 and 25 count combed yarn were traded at ₹248-258 (approximately $2.90-3.02) per kg and ₹253-263 (approximately $2.96-3.08) per kg, respectively; and carded yarn of 30 count was noted at ₹238-243 (approximately $2.78-2.84) per kg today, according to trade sources.

The Delhi market witnessed stability in cotton yarn prices amid sluggish buying. The market also faced payment constraints and a labour shortage. Market sources reported that cotton yarn demand is expected to pick up next month. Domestic festival demand and export orders are likely to drive the cotton yarn market in the coming period.

In Delhi, 30 count combed knitting yarn was traded at ₹260-261 (approximately $3.04-3.05) per kg (GST extra), 40 count combed at ₹285-286 (approximately $3.33-3.34) per kg, 30 count carded at ₹234-236 (approximately $2.74-2.76) per kg, and 40 count carded at ₹259-261 (approximately $3.03-3.05) per kg today.

Meanwhile, India’s home textile hub of Panipat is also experiencing slow demand due to payment constraints and a labour shortage. However, recycled yarn prices remained stable in the market, and raw materials were also traded steadily. Trade sources said the shortage of workers has reduced consumption of recycled yarn, while payment constraints have affected the buying capacity of the consumer industry. However, manufacturing activities may improve in June, when demand for recycled yarn is expected to pick up.

In Panipat, 10s recycled PC yarn (Grey) was traded at ₹75-78 (approximately $0.88-0.91) per kg (GST paid). Other varieties and counts were noted at 10s recycled PC yarn (Black) at ₹52-55 (approximately $0.61-0.64) per kg, 20s recycled PC yarn (Grey) at ₹95-99 (approximately $1.11-1.16) per kg and 30s recycled PC yarn (Grey) at ₹128-134 (approximately $1.50-1.57) per kg. Cotton comber prices were noted at ₹108-110 (approximately $1.26-1.29) per kg and recycled polyester fibre (PET bottle fibre) at ₹75-78 (approximately $0.88-0.91) per kg today.

In north India, cotton prices are under pressure due to slow demand and a bearish trend in the global market. The price of natural fibre declined further by ₹20 per maund (37.2 kg) in upper Rajasthan, while prices remained stable in other northern states. Trade sources said the cotton market is facing pressure from reduced buying by spinning mills and falling ICE cotton prices. Slow arrivals have also failed to support prices. Textile mills are purchasing cotton in required volumes from the warehouses of the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).

North India’s cotton arrivals totalled 800 bales (170 kg each), comprising 500 bales in Haryana, 250 in upper Rajasthan, and 50 in lower Rajasthan. Punjab reported no fresh arrivals. Cotton prices in Punjab ranged from ₹5,750 to ₹5,760 (approximately $67.23–67.35) per maund of 37.2 kg; in Haryana, ₹5,600–5,650 (approximately $65.48–66.06); in upper Rajasthan, ₹5,760–5,780 (approximately $67.35–67.58). In lower Rajasthan, prices stood at ₹54,300–₹55,400 (approximately $646.59–647.76) per candy of 356 kg.

Disclaimer: The prices in this article are based on market sources and hence, readers are recommended to do their own research before making any decision. The publisher and their affiliates are not liable for any inaccuracies or actions taken based on this information.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)