North India’s cotton yarn market is in a holding pattern, with stable prices offset by soft downstream demand and persistent tariff uncertainty.
Markets in Ludhiana, Delhi, and Panipat have shown little movement. In Ludhiana, despite steady prices, trade sources say that “both domestic and export demand for cotton yarn remained weak,” allowing mills to only maintain, not raise, their selling prices. Today, 30‑count combed yarn fetched ₹258–268 per kg, while 20‑ and 25‑count were at ₹248–263 per kg, and 30‑count carded around ₹238–243 per kg.
Delhi mirrored this pattern. Although prices remained firm, demand showed little vitality. A Delhi trader noted that manufacturers are shifting to polyester and viscose—favoured for their cotton-like qualities—due to the higher cost of cotton yarn and uncertainties around US tariffs. For instance, 30‑count combed knitting yarn traded at ₹260–261 per kg (GST extra), and 40‑count at ₹285–286 per kg.
Panipat’s recycled yarn segment also faced muted demand, with coarse-count recycled yarn particularly sluggish. Though exporters are optimistic about festival season improvement, ongoing payment delays and labour shortages are dampening the market. Recycled polyester yarn (10s grey) traded at ₹75–78 per kg and cotton comber at ₹105–108 per kg.
Cotton prices themselves softened, dropping by ₹10 per maund in line with weak ICE futures. North India saw limited new arrivals—around 750 bales—with Punjab reporting ₹5,700–5,710 and Haryana ₹5,530–5,580 per maund.
In summary, the North Indian cotton yarn sector is maintaining price stability amidst a backdrop of restrained demand and global trade anxieties. Producers appear cautious, awaiting clarity on tariff policy and a festival-driven uptick to restore momentum.
