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North Indian cotton yarn demand hit by tariff concern; prices drop

07 Apr '25
5 min read
North Indian cotton yarn demand hit by tariff concern; prices drop
Pic: Shutterstock

Insights

  • Cotton yarn trade in north India has slowed due to concerns over a proposed US reciprocal tariff, leading to price drops and weaker demand across Ludhiana, Delhi, and Panipat.
  • Stockist selling pressure, reduced exports, and labour shortages have further affected market sentiment.
  • Traders are awaiting clarity on tariff implementation, which could severely impact the textile value chain.
The cotton yarn trade in north India witnessed sluggish demand due to the United States' announcement of a reciprocal tariff. Cotton yarn prices fell by ₹2 per kg in the Ludhiana market, as heavy selling by stockists outpaced buying interest. Although the Delhi market saw stable prices, demand dropped significantly. Market experts stated that if the reciprocal tariff comes into effect on April 9, the entire textile value chain will be severely impacted. Buyers at every level are expected to demand discounts to offset the additional costs. This could result in delays in new orders, purchases, and shipments. Conditions may improve if US President Donald Trump agrees to public and international appeals to suspend the tariff temporarily.

Panipat’s recycled yarn and raw materials market also remained steady amid weaker demand. Home furnishing exports are likely to slow down if the tariff is implemented. Additionally, a shortage of workers has affected the demand for recycled yarn.

In Ludhiana, cotton yarn demand was average, but prices remained unchanged. The market saw a steep rise in textile company shares, though there was no clear correlation with trade demand. A trader from Ludhiana told Fibre2Fashion, “Traders are waiting for more clarity and direction following the US announcement. Currently, there is no positive sentiment in the cotton yarn market. It is too early to assess the impact of the tariff as positive. The sudden increase in import costs will affect buying by US brands and retailers.”

In Ludhiana, 30 count cotton combed yarn was sold at ₹258-268 (approximately $3.01-3.12) per kg (inclusive of GST); 20 and 25 count combed yarn were traded at ₹248-258 (approximately $2.89-3.01) per kg and ₹253-263 (approximately $2.94-3.06) per kg, respectively; and carded yarn of 30 count was noted at ₹238-243 (approximately $2.77-2.83) per kg today, according to trade sources.

In Delhi, demand from the consumer industry remained weak. Buyers held off new purchases, waiting to gauge the downstream impact of the tariff. Although cotton yarn prices were stable, market sources expressed hope that President Trump would suspend implementation to allow several countries to finalise bilateral agreements with the US. If not, cotton yarn demand could weaken further. Mills are pressuring agents and buyers to lift yarn as per their commitments. If US exporters ask Indian exporters to share the burden of the new tariff, buyers throughout the supply chain will likely push for price renegotiations.

In Delhi, 30 count combed knitting yarn was traded at ₹259-260 (approximately $3.02-3.03) per kg (GST extra), 40 count combed at ₹284-285 (approximately $3.31-3.32) per kg, 30 count carded at ₹233-235 (approximately $2.71-2.74) per kg, and 40 count carded at ₹258-260 (approximately $3.01-3.03) per kg today.

India’s home textile hub, Panipat, also saw subdued demand for recycled yarn and its raw materials. The US tariff, coupled with a labour shortage, led to reduced demand in the recycled yarn segment. The tariff may affect export-oriented production, while the worker shortage could hamper production of finished home furnishing goods. This labour shortage may persist through the summer as more workers travel to their native places for annual visits. However, there has been no significant price correction in recycled yarn and raw materials.

In Panipat, 10s recycled PC yarn (Grey) was traded at ₹75-78 (approximately $0.87-0.91) 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 1.11-1.15) per kg and 30s recycled PC yarn (Grey) at ₹128-134 (approximately $1.49-1.56) per kg. Cotton comber prices were noted at ₹103-106 (approximately $1.20-1.23) per kg. Recycled polyester fibre (PET bottle fibre) noted at ₹80-82 (approximately $0.93-0.96) per kg today.

In North India, cotton prices dropped by ₹50–60 per maund (37.2 kg) as the market reacted to fears surrounding the US tariff. ICE cotton also opened with heavy losses, fuelling panic in the domestic market. Traders reported that buyers were hesitant to make new deals following the tariff announcement. Cotton prices have declined by around one per cent since last Thursday. Spinners are increasingly concerned about the potential slowdown in downstream demand, with reciprocal tariffs expected to disrupt exports and production across the entire textile value chain.

Cotton arrivals in north India totalled 5,500 bales (170 kg each), including 200 bales in Punjab, 2,500 in Haryana, 2,000 in upper Rajasthan, and 800 in lower Rajasthan. Cotton prices in Punjab ranged from ₹5,550 to ₹5,560 (approximately $64.64–64.76) per maund, and in Haryana from ₹5,420 to ₹5,470 (approximately $63.13–63.71). In upper Rajasthan, prices ranged from ₹5,550–5,570 (approximately $64.64–64.88) per maund. In lower Rajasthan, cotton was priced at ₹53,000–54,100 (approximately $617.32–630.13) per candy (356 kg). Seed cotton was priced at ₹7,300–7,500 (approximately $85.03–87.36) per quintal (100 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)

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