North Indian cotton yarn faces demand slump amid polyester pressure

In Ludhiana, demand for cotton yarn remained sluggish. Uncertainty surrounding garment export orders and a shift in domestic demand towards imported polyester fabrics discouraged buyers. Despite the weak demand, cotton yarn prices held steady. A Ludhiana-based trader told Fibre2Fashion, “Current geopolitical factors are a concern for garment export orders. Slower exports will reduce domestic consumption of cotton yarn and fabric. Meanwhile, imported polyester fabric is gaining traction. Fabrics like Tencel and other varieties are not only cheaper but also offer attractive colours and a cotton-like feel, making them appealing to buyers.”

In Ludhiana, 30 count cotton combed yarn was sold at ₹256-266 (~$2.95-3.07) per kg (inclusive of GST); 20 and 25 count combed yarn were traded at ₹246-256 (~$2.84-2.95) per kg and ₹251-261 (~$2.89-3.01) per kg, respectively; and carded yarn of 30 count was noted at ₹236-241 (~$2.72-2.78) per kg today, according to trade sources.

Cotton yarn trade in Delhi was similarly limited, with prices hovering around previous levels. Trade sources indicated that both spinning mills and stockists are facing difficulty in finding buyers. Domestic demand in the value chain is weakening as consumers opt for polyester and other lower-cost garments. The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has also affected market sentiment, raising concerns about possible disruptions in shipment movement.

In Delhi, 30 count combed knitting yarn was traded at ₹260-261 (~$3.00-3.01) per kg (GST extra), 40 count combed at ₹285-286 (~$3.29-3.30) per kg, 30 count carded at ₹234-236 (~$2.70-2.72) per kg, and 40 count carded at ₹259-261 (~$2.99-3.01) per kg today.

The recycled yarn market in Panipat also saw poor demand from the downstream industry. Export demand ahead of the winter season remains sluggish. The domestic textile sector is wary due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Prices of recycled yarn, cotton comber, and recycled polyester staple fibre remained steady.

In Panipat, 10s recycled PC yarn (Grey) was traded at ₹75-78 (~$0.86-0.90) per kg (GST paid). Other varieties and counts were noted at 10s recycled PC yarn (Black) at ₹52-55 (~$0.60-0.63) per kg, 20s recycled PC yarn (Grey) at ₹101-103 (~$1.16-1.19) per kg and 30s recycled PC yarn (Grey) at ₹130-135 (~$1.50-1.56) per kg. Cotton comber prices were noted at ₹98-101 (~$1.13-1.16) per kg and recycled polyester fibre (PET bottle fibre) at ₹74-79 (~$0.85-0.91) per kg today.

Cotton prices in north India edged up slightly due to reduced supply and tightening availability. Prices rose by ₹10 per maund (37.2 kg), with seed cotton arrivals expected to decline over the next 8–10 days. Traders noted that, despite weak demand, prices firmed as ginners and stockists aim to recover holding costs during the upcoming lean supply season. The domestic market remained unaffected by weaker ICE cotton trends.

Cotton arrivals in north India totalled 550 bales (170 kg each), including 400 bales in Haryana and 150 in upper Rajasthan. No new arrivals were reported in lower Rajasthan and Punjab. Cotton prices ranged from ₹5,720–5,730 (~$65.94–66.06) per maund in Punjab; ₹5,550–5,600 (~$63.98–64.56) in Haryana; and ₹5,690–5,790 (~$65.59–66.75) in upper Rajasthan. In lower Rajasthan, prices stood at ₹53,300–54,800 (~$614.44–631.74) 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)