Removing cotton import duty to bridge quality and supply gap

Duty-free access to premium cotton allows domestic producers to offer high-quality yarns and fabrics at globally competitive price points

- INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

India’s decision to eliminate import duty on raw cotton was driven by urgent supply, quality, and competitiveness ‘concerns in the textile value chain.

It is a strategic move initiated to address raw material shortages, reduce input costs for textile mills, curb inflationary pressures, and uphold India’s competitive edge in global textile trade.

Textile and apparel exports account for a significant share of India’s foreign earnings. Duty-free access to premium cotton allows domestic producers to offer high-quality yarns and fabrics at globally competitive price points, reinforcing the “Make in India” brand and helping retain market share in key destinations such as Europe and North America.