New Delhi, Sept. 14 -- India's textile industry has sought a six-month extension of the duty-free import window for raw cotton beyond October 31, citing a sharp rise in yarn prices and concerns over cotton availability.

The government had waived the 11Percent import duty on raw cotton from June to October 31 to improve availability and help moderate domestic prices. Cotton prices have risen about 24Percent over the past six months, while cotton yarn prices have increased by around 60Percent in 2026 The Economic Times reported.

"We have requested the central government to extend the duty-free import window of raw cotton by six months as the cotton yarn prices have jumped 60Percent in 2026, adding to the challenges of the apparel exporter...