The Union government has announced that import duty on cotton will be waived from June 1 to October 30, aiming to improve cotton availability for India’s textile industry.
Cotton imports in India typically attract an 11% duty. However, the government has periodically offered temporary relief when domestic industry faces shortages of key raw materials.
Textile industry bodies have repeatedly urged the Centre to remove the duty, arguing that the exemption is necessary to address a domestic cotton shortage and meet demand.
With the latest decision, the government expects easier access to cotton for mills and manufacturers during the waiver period.
