Weekly Cotton Review: Production rises but still falls short of industry needs

Pakistan’s cotton arrivals reached 4.743 million bales by October 31, up 6.88% from a year earlier, Business Recorder reported. Punjab accounted for 1.999 million bales, while Sindh and Balochistan together contributed 2.744 million. Despite the increase, domestic output remains far below the textile industry’s estimated annual requirement of 14 to 15 million bales.

Textile mills are buying less local cotton amid quality concerns and are turning more to imports, with purchases of 7 to 8 million bales expected this season. The Karachi Cotton Association kept its spot rate at Rs17,800 per maund, while cotton prices varied by quality and payment terms. The report also highlights pressure on textile businesses from energy costs, taxes and financing expenses, alongside calls for stronger support for cotton research.