Pakistan recorded a strong start to the 2026-27 cotton season as cotton arrivals at ginning factories surged by 77.3 percent compared to the corresponding period last year, indicating improved crop prospects and providing a positive outlook for the textile industry.
Chairman Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) Punjab Malik Talat Sohail, while briefing the media on the first cotton arrival report issued by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), said 527,900 bales had reached ginning factories across the country by July 15, compared with 297,751 bales during the same period last year, an increase of 230,149 bales. Punjab recorded cotton arrivals of 201,497 bales against 145,101 bales a year earlier, showing an increase of 56,396 bales, or 38.87 percent.
Among Punjab’s cotton-producing districts, Vehari led with 41,367 bales, followed by Dera Ghazi Khan (36,340), Khanewal (32,521), Bahawalpur (16,686), Sahiwal (16,305) and Layyah (14,993). Cotton arrivals also increased in Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar and Lodhran, while Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur recorded lower arrivals than the corresponding period last year.
Sindh posted an even stronger performance, with arrivals rising to 326,403 bales from 152,650 bales last year, reflecting an increase of 113.82 percent. Sanghar remained the leading district with 280,393 bales, while significant gains were also recorded in Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Jamshoro and Nawabshah. The report also showed that 82,121 bales remained unsold at ginning factories, compared with 47,771 bales during the same period last year. Malik Talat Sohail said the substantial increase in cotton arrivals reflected a revival of the cotton sector and would help ensure greater availability of raw material for the textile industry, supporting economic activity and exports.