Cotton shortage prompts spinning mills to switch to man-made fiber

Cotton prices have jumped to Rs 13,200 per quintal now from Rs 11,800 per quintal about a month ago

In a major boost to synthetic textile players, spinning mills have started increasing the use of man-made fibre to keep their fabric cost immune to rising cotton prices.

Industry sources estimate that India’s use of man-made fibre in fabric blends has increased to 45 per cent over the last few months from 40 per cent earlier. The use of cotton in fabric blends has declined to 55 per cent from 60 per cent earlier. Despite the shift, India is far below the global average of man-made fibre use of 70 per cent in blended fabrics.

Cotton prices have jumped to