High temperatures in the initial months (June and July) destroyed crop in Punjab and Singh provinces, the main cotton growing regions in the country. The subsequent unusually heavy rains caused diseases like whitefly and pink ball worm resulting in heavy losses in the crop. This double blow has prompted the textile industry to ramp up cotton imports from the global market.

In addition, cotton growing farmers were also discouraged by the absence of government support.

According to data released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), in the new marketing season of 2024-25 (August-July), 1.225 million bales, each weighing 170 kg, have arrived at various ginneries across the country up to August 31.

In 2022-23 season, cotton production in Pakistan witnessed a steep decline to 4.912 million bales, as heavy rains damaged the crop. However, in the marketing year 2023-24, the country saw arrival of 8.396 million bales.

As a major apparel and textile exporter, Pakistan's industry requires substantial quantities of cotton. Media reports indicate that the industry consumes its domestic crop and imports additional cotton to meet the shortfall. The country's cotton imports averaged 2.5 million bales up to 2022-23. However, a significant decline in imports was projected for the 2023-24 season.

According to Pakistan’s trade source, spinning mills have already signed deals for imports of 1.6 million bales in the current marketing year. Not only lower production, but also poor quality has forced them to go for imports.

Fibre2Fashion's market insight tool TexPro also shows imports of 120,395 tons ((708,200 bales) of cotton by Pakistan in first half of the current year 2024, which was valued at $255,668 million. This is actual import of cotton during non-arrival period. During July-December 2023, the import was 84,494 tons ($191.266 million).

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)