KARACHI: Cotton prices remained steady with higher demand for better grades at Punjab and Sindh stations during trading session. More than 2,700 bales of better quality changed hands. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) spot rate stood firm at Rs 7,300 per maund. The leading buyers bought quality lint on paying premium price above Rs 7,250 per maund during the trading session. The spinners bought second grade of lint for blending purpose on slightly higher rates at around Rs 6,975 per maund while mills in Sindh and Punjab stations strengthened their long positions by striking forward deals on one-month delivery period. Better and second grades of lint are fetching premium prices on fast shrinking while raw grade of lint changed hands at Rs 6,000 per maund, depending on trash level. The physical market prices would remain stand between Rs 6,650 per maund and Rs 6,975 per maund. Private sector exporters brought out their better grades in the market on higher prices. The fine stocks of past crop season are also fetching better prices above Rs 7,200 per maund. Ginneries in Sindh and Punjab have geared up their ginning activities in order to meet growing demand. He said cotton prices were expected to increase by around 10 percent in open market, as cotton demand would increase. Published in Daily Times, March 13th 2018.