North India's cotton yarn market faces sluggish demand

09 May '24

4 min read

North India's cotton yarn market faces sluggish demand

Pic: Adobe Stock

Insights

Cotton yarn trade in north India remains sluggish due to poor demand and geopolitical uncertainty.
Prices fell in Delhi but stayed steady in Ludhiana.
The market is cautious with buyers only purchasing for immediate needs.
Panipat's recycled yarn market also faces slow demand.
Cotton prices in the region are rising due to higher ICE cotton rates.

North India's cotton yarn trade has not seen any improvement due to sluggish demand. The market remains nervous due to the dim prospects for higher garment exports amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. In the Delhi market, cotton yarn prices dropped by ₹4-5 per kg, while the Ludhiana market witnessed stability. The market experienced a mild loss at the beginning of this week. Trade sources have stated that the current scenario is not favourable for taking risks. As a result, buyers are cautious and only purchasing cotton yarn for their immediate needs. In India’s home textile hub, Panipat, there has been slow demand for recycled yarn, although the prices of recycled yarn and raw materials have remained stable.

In the Delhi market, a decline of ₹4-5 per kg was noted due to poor demand, and the market faced cautious buying amid weak sentiments. According to trade sources, concerns over garment exports to international markets have arisen after renewed attacks on vessels by Houthi rebels, which could delay shipments and increase freight charges. This unease regarding further weakening demand from the downstream industry has dented market sentiments.

In this market today, 30 count combed knitting yarn was traded at ₹260-265 (approximately $3.11-3.17) per kg (GST extra), 40 count combed at ₹280-288 (approximately $3.35-3.45) per kg, 30 count carded at ₹235-240 (approximately $2.81-2.87) per kg, and 40 count carded at ₹265-268 (approximately $3.17-3.21) per kg.

Meanwhile, the cotton yarn market in Ludhiana traded steadily as demand was normal. Higher cotton prices may push yarn prices up if the trend continues in the coming weeks. A trader from the Ludhiana market told Fibre2Fashion, "There was average demand. Cotton yarn prices stabilised after gains in the natural fibre. Mills may increase prices if cotton continues to rise."

In Ludhiana today, 30 count cotton combed yarn was sold at ₹262-272 (approximately $3.18-3.30) per kg (inclusive of GST); 20 and 25 count combed yarn were traded at ₹252-262 (approximately $3.06-3.18) per kg and ₹257-267 (approximately $3.12-3.24) per kg, respectively; and carded yarn of 30 count was noted at ₹242-247 (approximately $2.94-3.00) per kg, according to trade sources.

In Panipat, the recycled yarn market also observed price stability, although there was very slow demand from the downstream industry. According to trade sources, the market is still facing slow demand from both domestic and export markets. It is hoped that better buying conditions will emerge from July onwards.

In Panipat, 10s recycled PC yarn (Grey) was traded at ₹78-82 (approximately $0.94-0.98) per kg (GST paid). Other varieties and counts were noted at 10s recycled PC yarn (Black) at ₹53-56 (approximately $0.64-0.67) per kg, 20s recycled PC yarn (Grey) at ₹90-95 (approximately 1.08-1.14) per kg and 30s recycled PC yarn (Grey) at ₹128-132 (approximately $1.54-1.58) per kg. Cotton comber prices were noted at ₹113-116 (approximately $1.35-1.38) per kg. Recycled polyester fibre (PET bottle fibre) was noted at ₹74-77 (approximately $0.90-0.93) per kg today, as per market sources.

In north India, cotton prices have shown an upward trend due to a rise in ICE cotton. Prices increased by ₹50 per maund of 37.2 kg as ginners quoted higher rates, although cotton arrivals increased in Haryana. Traders reported average demand from mills, but higher ICE cotton prices boosted local prices. Haryana has seen a higher arrival as farmers have significant volumes of cotton stocks. The arrival is expected to remain good in Haryana until the end of this month.

Cotton prices in Punjab ranged from ₹5,775 to ₹5,825 (approximately $69.15-69.75) per maund of 37.2 kg, while in Haryana, prices ranged from ₹5,725 to ₹5,800 (approximately $68.55-69.45). In upper Rajasthan, cotton was priced between ₹5,625 and ₹5,825 (approximately $67.36-69.75) per maund. Bikaner line cotton sold for ₹5,825 to ₹5,925 (approximately $69.75-70.95) per maund. In lower Rajasthan, cotton was priced at ₹54,800 to ₹57,800 (approximately $656.20-692.12) per candy of 356 kg.