The exporter ups the ante by offering small quantities

Australia, the fifth-largest exporter of cotton, is looking at India to emerge as a consistent and major buyer of the commodity.

An eight-member delegation representing the Australian Cotton ShippersΆ Association held meetings in Ludhiana, Mumbai, and Coimbatore between February 27 and March 3.

“We came to promote and enhance the use of Australian cotton,” Matthew Bradd, chairman of Australian Cotton ShippersΆ Association, told The Hindu here on Thursday. “We want India to become a consistent buyer of our cotton.”

Australia has close to 1,200 cotton growers and can supply even small quantities to India. China purchased more than 30% of AustraliaΆs cotton production last year. However, this was lower than its usual purchase.

“India is a big market for cotton and spinners in India said they have had good experience with Australian cotton,” he said.

Hamish McIntyre, vice-chairman of Cotton Australia and a member of the eight-member delegation, said India used to purchase 5-7% of cotton produced in Australia every year. In 2016, it shot up to close to 23 % due to a drop in production in India.

Indian textile mills can use Australian cotton as a blend to produce high-value garments. The area under cotton production was increasing in Australia, Mr. McIntyre said.

K.N. Viswanathan, vice-president of Indian Cotton Federation, said that AustraliaΆs output was limited until last year. India is the largest producer and consumer of cotton globally.