Key facts
- India exported US$5,205 million of cotton yarn in FY2024-25 (static.pib.gov.in).
- Largest destinations by value: Bangladesh 43%; China 17% (tier 5); Egypt, Peru, Vietnam
- 2 production clusters mapped, in Gujarat; Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu; Punjab; Gujarat; Maharashtra.
- Market guides for 15 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: ISO 9001, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS, Sedex SMETA audit.
- Typical minimum order: One 20' container per count (typical).
Product overview
India is one of the world's largest cotton yarn exporters. Spinning is concentrated in Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Dindigul), Gujarat, Maharashtra and Punjab. Yarn exports were about 1,150 million kg in FY2024-25. Bangladesh takes the largest share (about 43%, tier-5 source), followed by China, Vietnam, Egypt and Peru.
Yarn is bought by count (Ne), spinning system (ring, compact, open-end), carded or combed, twist (knitting or weaving), and quality parameters measured on Uster instruments (U%, IPI imperfections, CSP/RKM strength).
Brand-led supply chains increasingly ask for organic (GOTS/OCS), Better Cotton, recycled blends and contamination-controlled yarn. Prices track Indian cotton (Shankar-6) and ICE futures.
HS note: Subheadings depend on single/multiple, combed/uncombed and count, e.g. 5205.12 carded single 14-43 Nm and 5205.24 combed single 52-80 Nm. Blends under 85% cotton go to 5206.
Specifications
| Count range | Ne 6s-30s open-end; Ne 10s-40s carded; Ne 20s-80s combed/compact (typical) |
|---|---|
| Count CV | ≤ 1.5% (typical) |
| Unevenness U% | ~9-11% for combed 30s ring yarn (typical) |
| CSP / strength | ~2,400-2,800 CSP for combed 30s (typical) |
| Twist | Knitting or weaving twist multiplier per buyer (typical) |
| Contamination | Contamination-controlled / auto-coned, splice-quality checked (typical) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Carded (CD)
Economical, for basic knits and denims.
Combed (CM)
Cleaner, stronger, for quality knits and shirtings.
Compact (CMT)
Lower hairiness, premium knits and wovens.
Open-end (OE)
Coarse counts for denim, towels, home textiles.
Organic / Better Cotton / recycled
Certified or programme-linked yarns.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cones | 1.89 kg (4.16 lb) cones; 24 cones per carton or bag = 45.36 kg (100 lb) | paper cones, polybag per cone |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP ~9-11 MT · 40' HC ~18-21 MT. Cartons or bags; mixed counts possible
Customisation: Twist, cone weight, waxed/unwaxed, slub yarns, dyed yarn via partner units
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Tamil Nadu
Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Dindigul, Madurai
Gujarat
Ahmedabad, Rajkot
Punjab
Ludhiana
Maharashtra
Aurangabad, Nagpur
ASSUMPTION
Market requirements by region
Southeast Asia
Vietnam is a growing buyer for its knitting and weaving sector.
Other markets
Peru, Egypt and Turkey are notable buyers; Turkey has applied trade-defence measures on yarn imports in the past - check current duties.
East Asia
China buys Indian cotton yarn depending on the price gap with domestic and Vietnamese yarn (about 17%, tier-5 source).
South Asia
Bangladesh is the largest buyer (about 43% share, tier-5 source); land ports and Kolkata/Chattogram routes are used.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Quality control
- • Uster test report per lot (count, CV, U%, IPI, CSP/RKM, hairiness)
- • Pre-shipment inspection on request
- • Organic/BCI transaction documents where applicable
Certifications available
- • ISO 9001
- • OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- • GOTS
- • Sedex SMETA audit
Held by the producing supplier for the specific lot; copies shared with the quote.
Shipping documents
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Bill of lading / airway bill
- • Certificate of origin (preferential where an FTA applies)
- • Uster/quality test report
- • Transaction certificate (GOTS/OCS) where applicable
- • Preferential CoO (e.g. SAFTA for Bangladesh, CETA for UK)
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: Cotton yarn | 5,205 | verified | static.pib.gov.in |
Top destinations: Bangladesh 43%; China 17% (tier 5); Egypt, Peru, Vietnam
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between carded and combed yarn?
Combing removes short fibres and impurities after carding. The yarn is stronger, smoother and more even, and costs more.
What is Ne?
English cotton count: the number of 840-yard hanks per pound. A higher Ne means a finer yarn.
What test report comes with the yarn?
A Uster report covering count and its CV, U%, imperfections (thin/thick places, neps), strength (CSP/RKM) and hairiness.
Can you supply organic or Better Cotton yarn?
Yes, with GOTS/OCS transaction certificates or Better Cotton claim units, from certified mills.
How are cones packed?
Usually 24 cones of 1.89 kg in a carton or bag, 45.36 kg per pack, palletised on request.
Request a quote for Cotton Yarn (Carded, Combed, Compact, Open-End)
Tell us grade, quantity and destination. We reply with options, packaging and pricing on your Incoterm.
