Cotton prices in Pakistan extended their rally as disruptions to imports linked to the Gulf conflict and adverse weather tightened near-term domestic supplies, overshadowing a 32% increase in cotton arrivals during the current season.
Cotton prices rose by PKR 500 per maund, reaching PKR 19,300 per maund in Punjab and PKR 18,400 per maund in Sindh, according to Ahsan-ul-Haq, chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum.
“The disruption in cotton imports due to the Gulf war has reduced available supplies, while unfavorable weather has slowed the arrival of fresh cotton,” Ahsan-ul-Haq said. He added that rising international cotton prices were also supporting the domestic market.
Data released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association showed total cotton arrivals rose 32.33% year-on-year to 785,822 bales, compared with 593,821 bales during the same period last year.
The increase was driven entirely by Sindh, where arrivals surged 66.82% to 487,672 bales from 292,340 bales a year earlier. Punjab’s arrivals fell 1.1% to 298,150 bales from 301,481 bales, reflecting weaker production in several districts.
Sanghar remained the country’s largest cotton-producing district, with 397,822 bales, followed by Vehari with 56,508 bales and Muzaffargarh with 43,075 bales.
Despite the increase in season-to-date arrivals, the pace of fresh supply has slowed. Cotton arrivals during the latest fortnight totaled 257,922 bales, down from 296,070 bales in the corresponding period last year.
Unsold stocks also increased to 78,044 bales, compared with 64,667 bales a year earlier.
The combination of slower fresh arrivals, import disruptions and firmer international cotton prices is expected to keep Pakistan’s domestic cotton market under pressure as the textile industry prepares for higher seasonal demand.
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