C. Joseph Vijay. File | Photo credit: ANI
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Thursday (May 14, 2026) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to remove the 11% import duty on cotton to ensure availability of the raw material.
“This measure will enable the textile and apparel industry to remain globally competitive, increase exports and also protect jobs,” Vijay said.
Thousands of people, especially women from rural and semi-urban backgrounds, depend on this sector for both direct and indirect employment, Mr. Vijay said.
“The industry has recently been facing a serious crisis due to the increase in cotton prices and subsequently yarn prices. I understand that this is mainly due to the lack of cotton production and the increase in business activity in the country,” he said.
Cotton price increased from ₹ 54,700 to ₹ 67,700 per cotton, up 25% in the last two months, while yarn price increased from ₹ 301 to ₹ 330 per kg.
“In this situation, the continuation of the supply of raw materials can only be ensured by imports. However, there is an import duty of 11 percent on cotton.”
In such a situation, allowing duty-free import of cotton would help the industry meet its growing export obligations and remain globally competitive. “After agriculture, the textile and apparel sector is one of the largest employment generating sectors. The government therefore has a significant responsibility to provide employment to millions of people and ensure the sustainability of the textile value chain.”
Published – 15 May 2026 0:41 AM IST
