Ban on cotton exports to stay; already registered orders can be executed: GoM

10 Apr 2012 Evaluate

The government has decided not to allow any further exports of cotton in the current marketing year also, the already registered export orders will be executed only after proper scrutiny and revalidation. A Group of Ministers (GoM), headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, that met on April 09 has decided not to allow any fresh registration for cotton exports. The decision has come at a time when the government is facing severe criticism for its ban on exports and pressure has been mounting from Gujarat to allow fresh registrations.

In an earlier move on March 5, the government had banned all future exports of cotton stating a shortage in domestic supply and a tendency of hoarding by mills in foreign locations. However, the ban faced severe criticism from all quarters and was partially lifted on March 12, 2012. Exports of the already registered orders were allowed post their proper scrutiny.

However, on April 9, it has been decided that given the domestic demand supply situation and the stocking need of the Cotton Association of India (CAI), no further registrations shall be entertained. Also the Registration Certificates issued during January and February are being scrutinized to find out whether there are any ‘fictitious' export transactions. As per the Commerce Secretary, Rahul Khullar, over 85% of cotton exports go to China and there is evidence of stockpiling there.

Cotton prices have remained firm over the past few days in expectation of the ban being lifted. Shankar 6 variety was being quoted at 34,000 a candy of 356 kg each against 32,000 candy a fortnight ago. The Cotton Corporation of India had to suspend its procurement services in Andhra Pradesh in the past week since prices ruled above the minimum support price of 3,300 a quintal.

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