CAI President hopeful of increase in cotton export quota

11 Jan '11

2 min read

Today is the deadline by which the Indian Ministry of Commerce & Trade should release the allotment to traders for exporting the remaining 2.5 million bales (170 kg each). As of 5.30PM Indian time, no allotment has been made. Traders are hopeful that by midnight, commerce ministry will make the allotments so that physical shipment can begin tomorrow.

In the wake of recent India's Cotton Advisory Board's revised upward estimate of current season's production of 32.9 million bales, there is speculation that India's export limit will be enhanced. Cotton Association of India (CAI) has estimated the current season's production to be 34.75 million bales of 170 kg each.

In speaking to this scribe from Mumbai, Mr. Dhiren Sheth, President of CAI said that he is positive that Indian's export quota will be increased beyond the current limit of 5.5 million bales. Mr. Nayan Mirani of Khimji Visram & Sons, Mumbai and Vice President of CAI also said that India's export quota will be enhanced. However, he said that he is not sure about the quantity that will be increased.

Reports in India quote, Dr. Rahul Khullar, Commerce Secretary of the Government of India, stating that India can produce 34 to 35 million bales (170 kg each) this season, which should allow for more exports. Mr. Mirani said that the statement by the Commerce Secretary is encouraging with regard to cotton exports and is optimistic about the increase in quota limit. Mr. Sheth, President of CAI said that Commerce Ministry may make the decision soon on increasing the quota.

There is some speculation that additional 2 million bales (20 lakh bales of 170 kg each) may be allowed. This is in addition to the already approved limit of 5.5 million bales. Speaking to this scribe on the sidelines of 2011 Beltwide Cotton Conference last week in Atlanta, Mr. Jordan Lea of Eastern Trading, Greenville, USA opined that 2 million additional bales can be exported from India.

Seshadri Ramkumar

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