Cotton exports estimated to reach 7.5 million bales, highest in 4 years

This will result in relatively large exports in the lean season

A sharp rise in international cotton prices, following abnormal weather conditions in major cotton-producing countries such as the US and China has improved India's prospects for cotton exports.

Analysts and trade organisations are revising cotton exports estimates upwards for 2017-18 (October to September is the period of active cotton production).

Now, exports are estimated to reach 7.5 million bales, highest after 2013-14. Exporters’ margins have also increased to a record high. Currently, the free on board (FOB) price of cotton being exported is 83.78 cents against the US benchmark ICE traded cotton price of 89-90 cents. 

Such a high margin