Pakistan cotton industry has witnessed a sharp rise in cotton and lint prices as the ginning season began unusually early in the second week of May, marking a historic shift in production timing across key agricultural regions. Early arrivals of fresh cotton have reached ginning factories in Punjab and Sindh, triggering immediate market activity and price volatility.
In initial operations, multiple ginning factories in Khanewal and Burewala started processing cotton as partial harvesting began in coastal areas of Sindh. Moreover, additional factories in Sanghar and Tando Adam also entered procurement activity, with expectations of full-scale operations in the coming days as supply chains gradually expand.
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Traditionally, Pakistan’s cotton ginning season begins in June; however, this year’s early start follows a similar shift seen in the previous season when operations began in late May. Analysts note that this change reflects earlier sowing patterns in several regions, particularly where cultivation expanded during February.
As a result, market prices have increased significantly, with phutti rates rising to around ₨11,600 per 40 kilograms and lint prices climbing to nearly ₨22,500 per maund. Initial advance deals were lower, ranging between ₨10,000 and ₨10,500 for phutti and about ₨21,700 for lint, showing a clear upward trend as demand strengthened.
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Meanwhile, some market reports indicated even higher lint transactions reaching up to ₨23,000 per maund, with occasional deals touching ₨23,500 per maund in select trading centers. Furthermore, traders expect prices to remain firm as early arrivals continue to shape supply conditions and market sentiment.
Additionally, industry experts suggest that early cotton availability may help textile mills manage raw material shortages ahead of the traditional supply cycle. This improved access could support production planning, although volatility in prices may continue as ginning activity expands across major producing regions.