Weekly cotton review: Market shows overall stability

Business Recorder reported that the cotton market remained broadly stable this week, even though New York futures swung and then slipped. The futures stayed between 82 and 87 US cents a pound. The Spot Rate Committee of the Karachi Cotton Association lifted the spot rate by Rs100 per maund, closing at Rs18,500 per maund, while local rates in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan ranged from Rs18,400 to Rs18,800 per maund.

Phutti, or raw seed cotton, ranged from Rs8,100 to Rs9,700 per 40 kilograms, yet supply has not risen significantly. Reports from several growing areas describe whitefly, jassid and leaf curl attacks on the crop. Cotton Ginners Forum chairman Ihsanul Haq said temperatures of 40-41°C pushed seed germination down to nearly 30 per cent, raising concerns over certified seed for the 2026-27 crop, and he urged a temporary relaxation of germination standards.

USDA weekly export data showed 230,500 bales sold for the 2026-27 marketing year, with Pakistan third at 44,500 bales. Ihsanul Haq said global prices could improve if an expected meeting between the Chinese and US presidents yielded positive trade decisions. Sources at APTMA reported more contamination complaints this season, and Dr Muhammad Jawaid, Cotton Advisor at APTMA, described the quality crisis as the industry's biggest challenge.