India suspends raw cotton import duties until September 2025

The Indian government has temporarily exempted all customs duties on raw cotton imports, effective from August 19 to September 30, 2025. The exemption removes an 11 percent import duty, which included a 5 percent basic customs duty, a 5 percent agriculture infrastructure and development cess, and a 10 percent social welfare surcharge. This decision is aimed at stabilising domestic cotton prices, lowering input costs for the textile industry, and supporting India's export competitiveness.