LAHORE: Cotton arrivals unexpectedly show a 0.9 per cent increase at the ginning stage, according to the latest fortnightly report issued on Wednesday.
The data indicates a favourable overall trend for national cotton production, with total arrivals rising by 8.95 per cent from 1.225 million bales in 2024 to 1.335 million bales in 2025.The recent surge in cotton arrivals has surprised many, defying expectations amid adverse weather conditions and crops affected by floods in the country. The rise in cotton arrivals is occurring despite wet continuous conditions, suggesting the season’s harvest is performing better than initially feared.
As per the latest data, the cotton industry has witnessed positive growth over the last fortnight, from August 15 to August 31. According to reports from the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), this increase is not consistent across all regions though and is primarily driven by outstanding performance in certain areas.
As per the breakup of the provinces, Balochistan recorded the highest growth, achieving an impressive 56.32 per cent rise in cotton arrivals. Sindh also showed strong results with a 12.54 per cent increase, contributing the largest share of cotton to the overall harvest, totalling 0.87 million bales.
Punjab showed comparatively dismal performance among the provinces as only 0.465 million bales of cotton, or a rise of 2.81 per cent, was reported from last year’s level.
At the district level, the outcomes vary significantly. Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan saw an extraordinary 155.03 per cent and 131.37 per cent increase in arrivals respectively, making them the leading districts and a key contributor to national growth. Sanghar also reported a solid rise of 8.1 per cent.
Conversely, several important districts experienced declines. Sahiwal in Punjab recorded the largest drop, with cotton arrivals decreasing by 30.31 per cent. Other districts with negative growth include Hyderabad (-2.73 per cent), Nawabshah (-8.25 per cent), Mirpur Khas (-3.27 per cent), and Khanewal (-3.08 per cent).
The cotton ginning and pressing operations have been efficient, with 1.192 million bales pressed from total arrivals. Sales have been robust, with 1.134 million bales sold to textile mills, while no significant sales were made to exporters or traders. The unsold stock stood at 0.2 million bales, significantly higher than last year’s 53,564 bales, possibly due to sluggish industrial activity, strategic stockpiling or market timing.
As many as 299 factories were operational, up from 272 last year, representing a 9.9 per cent growth in processing capacity.The increase in operational factories and efficient ginning operations indicate a positive trend in the cotton industry. However, the significant rise in unsold stock warrants closer examination of market dynamics and industry strategies.
