===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 05-08-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,300        280        18,580        18,580          NIL
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,612        300        19,912        19,912          NIL
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

According to Sajid Mehmood, Head of Transfer of Technology Department at CCRI Multan, the recommendations were issued after the 10th meeting of the Farmers Advisory Committee, chaired by CCRI Director Ms Sabahat Hussain.

He said the advisory would remain effective until August 15, urging farmers to spray recommended insecticides against jassid, whitefly and dusky cotton bug. Farmers have also been advised to install pheromone traps to control pink bollworm and avoid excessive irrigation to prevent shedding of flowers and cotton bolls.

Mehmood said growers should address potassium and magnesium deficiencies responsible for leaf yellowing, ensure timely weed control and complete cotton picking before expected rains.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the local cotton market remained steady and the trading volume remained satisfactory.

He also told that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 18,100 to Rs 18,300 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 8,200 to Rs 8,700 per 40 kilograms.

In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs 18,800 to Rs 19,000 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 8,400 to Rs 9,100 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 18,300 to Rs 18,400 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 8,400 to Rs 9,200 per 40 kg.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 04-08-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,300        280        18,580        18,780       -200/-
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,612        300        19,912        20,126       -214/-
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 18,200 to Rs 18,300 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 8,300 to Rs 8,700 per 40 kilograms.

In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs 18,800 to Rs 19,000 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 8,400 to Rs 9,000 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 18,200 to Rs 18,300 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 8,500 to Rs 9,300 per 40 kg.

The spot rate remained unchanged at Rs 18, 500 per maund.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 03-08-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,500        280        18,780        18,780          NIL
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,826        300        20,126        20,126          NIL
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the local cotton market remained tight and the trading volume remained low.

He also told Business Recorder that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 18,300 to Rs 18,400 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 8,000 to Rs 8,400 per 40 kilograms.

In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs 18,900 to Rs 19,000 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 8,500 to Rs 9,000 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 18,300 to Rs 18,400 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 8,400 to Rs 9,200 per 40 kg.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 01-08-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,500        280        18,780        18,480       +300/-
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,826        300        20,126        19,805       +321/-
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Total arrivals reached 785,822 bales as of July 31, 2026, up 32.33 percent from 593,821 bales recorded during the corresponding period last year.

Sindh recorded 487,672 bales against 292,340 bales a year earlier, a jump of 66.82 percent, while Balochistan posted 22,900 bales, up 52.67 percent from 15,000 bales.

Punjab, however, registered a slight dip, with arrivals of 298,150 bales against 301,481 bales last year, a decline of 1.10 percent.

Speaking to Business Recorder, Sajid Mahmood, head of the Transfer of Technology Department at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, said the figures show early season arrivals had remained stronger than last year, with Sindh’s near two-thirds increase reflecting improved production, timely picking and more effective crop management.

He said the overall national trend was encouraging despite Punjab’s slight decline, and described Balochistan’s growth of more than 52 percent as a positive sign despite its smaller production base.

However, hecautioned that the numbers were still preliminary, and that arrivals in August and September would offer a clearer picture of the season’s overall output.

If momentum in Sindh continued and Punjab’s position improved, he said, Pakistan’s total cotton production this season could exceed last year’s, benefiting both growers and the textile industry through better domestic availability of raw material.

Mahmood also warned that rising humidity and muggy weather were raising the risk of whitefly and other sap-sucking pest infestations, along with crop diseases, while conditions remained favourable for increased pink bollworm pressure. Excessive moisture, he said, could damage the colour of open bolls and the quality of cotton fibre, lowering the crop’s market value, while leaf yellowing, shedding of flowers and bolls, and reduced yield were common effects of such conditions. Persistent humidity or rainfall could also delay field access and postpone plant protection sprays, complicating timely pest and disease control.

He urged growers to drain excess water from fields immediately, inspect crops thoroughly once water recedes, monitor pests and diseases regularly, apply plant protection measures based on economic threshold levels, and consult agricultural extension officials for the timely use of recommended pesticides and other management practices.

On the ginning sector, Mahmood said 231 factories were currently operational nationwide, compared with 225 during the same period last year.

Unsold cotton stocks stood at 78,044 bales, up from 64,667 bales a year earlier, while exporters and traders had purchased 3,400 bales so far, including 2,200 bales from Punjab and 1,200 bales from Sindh, compared with no purchases recorded during the same period last year.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 18,300 to Rs 18,500 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 8,300 to Rs 8,800 per 40 kilograms.

In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs 19,000 to Rs 19,200 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 8,600 to Rs 9,400 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 18,200 to Rs 18,300 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 8,700 to Rs 9,300 per 40 kg.

The Spot Rate remained unchanged at Rs 18, 200 per maund.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 31-07-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,200        280        18,480        18,480          NIL
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,505        300        19,805        19,805          NIL
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 18,000 to Rs 18,200 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 8,000 to Rs 8,800 per 40 kilograms.

In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs 18,500 to Rs 18,800 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 8,300 to Rs 8,700 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 18,000 to Rs 18,300 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 8,600 to Rs 9,500 per 40 kg.

The Spot Rate remained unchanged at Rs 18, 200 per maund.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 18,000 to Rs 18,200 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 8,000 to Rs 8,800 per 40 kilograms.

In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs 18,500 to Rs 18,800 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 8,300 to Rs 8,700 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 18,000 to Rs 18,300 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 8,600 to Rs 9,500 per 40 kg.

The Spot Rate remained unchanged at Rs 18, 200 per maund.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 29-07-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,200        280        18,480        18,480          NIL
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,505        300        19,805        19,805          NIL
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 18,200 to Rs 18,300 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 7,500 to Rs 8,500 per 40 kilograms.

In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs 18,500 to Rs 18,600 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 18,200 to Rs 18,300 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 8,500 to Rs 9,200 per 40 kg.

The Spot Rate remained unchanged at Rs 18, 200 per maund.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 28-07-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,200        280        18,480        18,480          NIL
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,505        300        19,805        19,805          NIL
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 17,900 to Rs 18,000 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 6,500 to Rs 8,000 per 40 kilograms.

In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs 18,500 to Rs 18,600 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,800 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 17,900 to Rs 18,000 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 8,500 to Rs 8,700 per 40 kg.

The Spot Rate remained unchanged at Rs 18, 200 per maund.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 27-07-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,200        280        18,480        18,480          NIL
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,505        300        19,805        19,805          NIL
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 17,900 to Rs 18,000 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 6,200 to Rs 8,000 per 40 kilograms. In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs 18,500 to Rs 18,600 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,200 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 17,900 to Rs 18,000 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 8,000 to Rs 8,400 per 40 kg.

The Spot Rate remained unchanged at Rs 18, 200 per maund.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 25-07-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,200        280        18,480        18,480          NIL
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,505        300        19,805        19,805          NIL
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton prices fell by a significant 300 to 400 rupees per maund this week, as last week’s upward trend gave way to a sharp downturn. The spot rate also declined by 100 rupees per maund. Over the past two weeks, cotton prices have swung by a notable 800 to 1000 rupees overall, though trading activity is reported to have improved despite the volatility.

Meanwhile, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has voiced deep concern over the continuing decline in domestic cotton production. The chamber warned that if the trend continues, Pakistan may be forced to import cotton worth 2 to 3 billion dollars, placing a heavy burden on the national economy.

On a more positive note, the “Cotton Mela 2026” held in Khanpur emerged as a notable success story, with delegations from the Pakistan Cotton Brokers Association (PCBA) and the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) holding productive discussions on the cotton trade, a development seen as encouraging for the sector.

On the legal front, the Sindh High Court has granted temporary relief to the Karachi Cotton Association (KCA), permitting it to continue business operations in its building. However, the association says that despite the court order, it has still not been allowed to return to the premises, a matter over which it has expressed strong reservations.

Adding to the industry’s concerns, rains have begun in the cotton growing areas of Sindh and Punjab, raising fears of a possible impact on the standing crop.

Cotton prices in the local market witnessed a volatile week, with a bearish trend ultimately prevailing even as sharp swings pushed rates to fresh highs before pulling back sharply, industry sources reported.

The week began on an upward note as a shortage in the supply of phutti (seed cotton) drove prices higher. Market sources attributed this partly to the actions of several ginners who had earlier sold large quantities of cotton at lower rates. In a bid to delay deliveries on those low-priced deals, these ginners shut down their factories entirely or ran them only partially, triggering panic across the market. As a result, cotton prices surged abruptly by 500 to 600 rupees per maund within a short span.

The situation shifted, however, once the supply of phutti registered a marginal improvement. Ginners, gripped by the same panic that had earlier driven prices up, began offloading their cotton stocks. This selling pressure sent prices tumbling from their peak. In Sindh province, cotton had climbed to a high of 18,500 to 18,600 rupees per maund before retreating to 17,800 to 18,000 rupees per maund. Punjab province saw a similar pattern, with prices rising to 19,200 to 19,500 rupees per maund before easing back to 18,600 to 18,700 rupees per maund. The spot rate mirrored this volatility, fluctuating up and down through the week in line with the broader market movement.

Market sources further disclosed that deliveries of nearly 25,000 bales of the lower-priced cotton remain outstanding, a backlog that continues to weigh on trading sentiment as buyers and sellers await resolution.

Cotton prices across Pakistan continued to see fluctuations this week, with both lint and seed cotton (phutti) rates moving unevenly as rainfall in key growing regions disrupted the pace of arrivals and a fresh production report pointed to a significant shortfall compared to last year.

According to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association’s (PCGA) production report up to the 15th of the month, one of the key factors behind the decline in cotton prices, output stood at approximately 528,000 bales, marking a drop of nearly 77 percent compared to production recorded during the same period last year.

Meanwhile, rains have been reported across almost all cotton-growing districts of Punjab, delaying the arrival of seed cotton in the market. Sindh province also received light showers in several areas, though market observers say the region still urgently needs more substantial rainfall. Industry sources note that if adequate rains occur in the coming days, the overall crop outlook could improve.

In terms of pricing, cotton lint in Sindh settled between Rs 17,800 and Rs 18,000 per maund after fluctuations, while seed cotton traded between Rs 8,200 and Rs 8,600 per 40 kilograms.

In Punjab, lint prices fell from an earlier range of Rs 19,300 to Rs 19,500 per maund to Rs 18,600 to Rs 18,700 per maund. Seed cotton in the province ranged between Rs 8,300 and Rs 8,800, while rain-affected seed cotton fetched a lower price of around Rs 7,000.

In Balochistan, cotton prices settled between Rs 17,900 and Rs 18,000 per maund following fluctuations, with seed cotton trading between Rs 8,400 and Rs 8,800.

Meanwhile, the Spot Rate Committee of the Karachi Cotton Association reduced the spot rate by Rs 100 per maund, closing it at Rs 18,200 per maund.

Karachi Cotton Brokers Forum Chairman Naseem Usman stated that international cotton prices showed an overall mixed trend. The New York cotton futures rate remained between 78 to 80 American cents per pound. According to the USDA weekly export and sales report, 51,300 bales were sold for the year 2025-26, with China topping the list by purchasing 15,500 bales, followed by Vietnam in second place with 12,300 bales, and India in third place with 7,100 bales. For the year 2026-27, 16,100 bales were sold, with Vietnam topping the list by purchasing 7,100 bales, followed by India in second place with 4,700 bales, and Pakistan in third place with 2,200 bales. Exports stood at 276,300 bales, with Vietnam topping the list by importing 96,300 bales, followed by Pakistan in second place by importing 42,700 bales, and Turkey in third place by importing 31,800 bales.

Pakistan’s cotton production has collapsed to less than half its peak level, falling from 14 million bales to just 6.85 million bales in fiscal year 2025-26, a decline that is costing the country an estimated two to three billion dollars annually in additional imports and lost export earnings, according to a new report by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI).

The report, titled “Seeds of Growth,” is based on the views and observations of OICCI member companies linked to the agricultural sector. It notes that while cotton has suffered a severe downturn, other areas of agriculture have shown mixed results: the use of hybrid seeds has tripled maize yield per acre, even as nearly 20 percent of the country’s milk output continues to go to waste because of inadequate cold chain infrastructure.

The report underscores the broader importance of agriculture to Pakistan’s economy, noting that the sector contributes around 23 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs 37 percent of the national workforce.

Meanwhile, in a development that could offer some relief to cotton growers, light to moderate rainfall has been reported in the districts of Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad and Nawabshah. Agricultural sources say the rain is expected to benefit the cotton crop significantly, aiding its growth and health while improving the future quality of the harvest.

Meanwhile, the “Cotton Mela 2026,” held at the Cotton Research Institute in Khanpur, emerged as a shining example of success, proving true the well-known saying that one should start from where one is, with what one has, and do what one can. Despite its limited resources, the institute has demonstrated that the genuine revival of cotton does not depend on large-scale projects but on true passion and firm resolve. More than 100 distinguished guests from across Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and Wahari, attended this historic event. The program saw enthusiastic participation from the Agriculture Extension Department, the Plant Protection Department, various seed companies, researchers, students, and particularly the dedicated farmers of the Khanpur belt, all of whom lent strength to this national mission. The organizers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants and stakeholders whose constructive suggestions and presence lent dignity to the event, adding that this journey, which began from the soil of Khanpur, would, God willing, serve as a precursor to the revival of cotton across the entire country.

In a separate development, the Chairman and Executive Committee members of the Pakistan Cotton Brokers Association met with the Chairman of the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding the challenges faced by cotton brokers in the cotton trade. The Chairman of the PCGA assured the delegation of his full cooperation and commitment to resolving these issues.

Karachi’s Cotton Exchange building, a red-brick structure located on I I Chundrigar Road, served as the hub of Pakistan’s cotton trade for more than a century, where cotton deals were struck daily, prices were determined, and brokers and individuals associated with the textile industry from across the country would gather.

However, the building was sealed last year, after which all activities came to a halt, and cotton traders have since relocated to various parts of the city.

Although the Sindh High Court granted temporary relief to the Karachi Cotton Association (KCA), allowing it to continue business activities within the building, the association says that despite the court order, it has not yet been permitted to return to the premises.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the local cotton market remained easy and the trading volume remained satisfactory.

He also told that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs18,100 to Rs 18,200 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 8,600 to Rs 8,800 per 40 kilograms.

In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs18,400 to Rs 18,700 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 8,600to Rs 9,200 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 18,000 to Rs 18,200 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 8,800 to Rs 9,300 per 40 kg.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 22-07-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,400        280        18,680        18,780         -100
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,719        300        20,019        20,126         -107
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the local cotton market remained easy and the trading volume remained satisfactory.

He also told that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 18,200 to Rs 18,300 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 8,500 to Rs 8,700 per 40 kilograms. In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs 18,700 to Rs 18,800 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 8,200 to Rs 9,300 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 18,100 to Rs 18,200 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 8,800 to Rs 9,300 per 40 kg.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 21-07-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,500        280        18,780        18,880         -100
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,826        300        20,126        20,234         -108
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 18,200 to Rs 18,300 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 8,700 to Rs 8,800 per 40 kilograms. In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs 19,000 to Rs 19,200 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 8,800 to Rs 9,500 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 18,100 to Rs 18,200 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 8,800 to Rs 9,500 per 40 kg.

1600 bales of Tando Adam, 1800 bales of Sanghar were sold in between Rs 18,500 to Rs 18,700 per maund, 600 bales of Shahdad Pur, 400 bales Nawab Shah were sold in between Rs 18,500 to Rs 18,600 per maund, 200 bales of Hala were sold at Rs 18,600 per maund, 400 bales of Hyderanad were sold at Rs 18,500 per maund, 1600 bales of Khanewal were sold at Rs 19,500 per maund, 800 bales of Vehari, 100 bales of Hasil Pur, 800 bales of Taunsa Shareef were sold at Rs 19,300 per maund.

The Spot Rate remained unchanged at Rs 18,600 per maund.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 21-07-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,600        280        18,880        18,880          NIL
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,934        300        20,234        20,234          NIL
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Cotton Analyst Naseem Usman told Business Recorder that the rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 18,500 to Rs 18,600 per maund, while Phutti in the province is trading between Rs 8,800 to Rs 9,500 per 40 kilograms. In Punjab, cotton rates stand between Rs 19,000 to Rs 19,500 per maund, with Phutti fetching between Rs 9,000to Rs 9,800 per 40 kilograms.

The rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 15,400 to Rs 15,500 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between Rs 9,200 to Rs 10,000 per 40 kg.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

===========================================================================
The kca official spot rate for local dealings in Pakistan rupees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     For base grade 3 staple length 1-1/16"
                    Micronaire value between 3.8 to 4.9 NCL
===========================================================================
Rate              Ex-gin   Upcountry   Spot rate    Spot rate    Difference
                    for      price     Ex-Karachi  ex. Khi. as   Ex-karachi
                                                   on 18-07-2026
===========================================================================
37.324 KG        18,600        280        18,880        18,580         +300
Equivalent
40 KGS           19,934        300        20,234        19,912         +322
===========================================================================

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

According to market sources, the decline in seed cotton supply has pushed cotton prices up by five hundred to eight hundred rupees, while the spot rate has also risen by five hundred rupees per maund. The price surge comes even as overall cotton output continues to climb, reflecting a supply squeeze at the ginning stage despite the broader rise in production.

Industry experts caution that a growing volume of imported cloth and yarn is undermining local manufacturers, forcing power looms and sizing units to shut down. According to Sajid Mahmood, rising energy prices and heavy taxation are compounding the pressure, driving more textile mills toward closure and pushing unemployment steadily higher. He warned that continued neglect of these issues could inflict lasting damage on the industry.

Compounding the concerns, Amir Naseem said this year’s cotton crop in Sindh faces potential damage from erratic rainfall and water shortages, raising fears of a production shortfall in the coming season. Against this backdrop, the Pakistan Textile Council has called on the government to take urgent and effective steps to revive stagnant exports and restore stability to the sector.

Separately, a legal dispute involving the Karachi Cotton Association remains unresolved. Although the Sindh High Court granted the association temporary relief, permitting it to continue business operations within its building, officials say they have yet to be allowed back into the premises despite the court’s ruling, a situation the association has described as deeply concerning.

According to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) report released today, cumulative cotton arrivals at ginning factories across the country reached 527,900 bales as of July 18, 2026, compared with 297,751 bales during the corresponding period last year. This represents an increase of 230,149 bales, or 77.30 percent, marking a strong start to the current cotton season.

Cotton arrivals in Sindh reached 326,403 bales by July 15, representing an increase of 113.82 percent over the corresponding period last year.

An upward trend dominated the local cotton market over the past week, driven largely by a sharp shortage of seed cotton (phutti) in Sindh province. With textile mills stepping up purchases against this limited supply, cotton prices jumped suddenly by 500 to 800 rupees per maund. In Punjab, rains in cotton-growing regions similarly disrupted seed cotton supplies, pushing prices there up by a comparable 600 to 800 rupees per maund.

The rally in cotton prices fed directly into seed cotton rates as well. In Sindh, the price of 40 kilograms of seed cotton climbed to a range of 8,500 to 9,300 rupees, while in Punjab it reached an even higher band of 9,000 to 9,800 rupees.

Cotton broker Aamir Naseem, who recently toured Shahdadpur, Sanghar, Tando Adam and Mirpurkhas in Sindh, reported that the cotton crop is in urgent need of water and rainfall. Strong winds have been causing the flowers to shed prematurely, further reducing the arrival of seed cotton at markets. He noted that ginning factories are sitting largely idle, with mills struggling to produce even a single lot every two to three days, even as textile mills’ demand for cotton continues to rise, adding further upward pressure on prices.

Naseem added that the shortage of water and rainfall is preventing the seed cotton from developing properly, resulting in shorter staple length and lower micronaire values, while RD readings are coming in at 72 to 73. As a result, he said, mills are being compelled to buy cotton despite the unfavourable quality, simply out of necessity.

The Karachi Cotton Association’s Spot Rate Committee increased the spot rate by 500 rupees per maund and closed the spot rate at 18300 rupees per maund.

In Sindh province, the price of cotton remained between 18200 and 18500 rupees per maund, while the price of phutti remained between 8500 and 9300 rupees per 40 kg.

In Punjab province, the price of cotton remained between 18800 and 19000 rupees per maund, while the price of phutti remained between 9000 and 9800 rupees per 40 kg.

Karachi Cotton Brokers Forum Chairman Naseem Usman said that there is an upward trend in international cotton prices. The New York cotton futures rate remained stable between 77 and 89 American cents per pound. According to the USDA’s weekly export and sales report, 34,400 bales were sold for the year 2025-26.

Bangladesh topped the list by purchasing 10,600 bales. Vietnam ranked second by purchasing 5,800 bales. Pakistan ranked third by purchasing 5,300 bales.

For the year 2026-27, 14,100 bales were sold. Pakistan topped the list by purchasing 4,200 bales. Peru ranked second by purchasing 3,800 bales. Vietnam ranked third by purchasing 1,700 bales.

Exports amounted to 214,900 bales. Vietnam topped the list by importing 77,100 bales. Turkey ranked second by importing 36,100 bales. Pakistan ranked third by importing 21,500 bales.

During a telephone conversation with renowned cotton analyst Naseem Usman, cotton expert Sajid Mahmood said that according to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) report released on July 18, cumulative cotton arrivals at ginning factories across the country reached 527,900 bales as of July 15, 2026, compared with 297,751 bales during the corresponding period last year. This represents an increase of 230,149 bales, or 77.30 percent, marking a strong start to the current cotton season.

Sajid Mahmood stated that Punjab recorded total cotton arrivals of 201,497 bales, compared with the same period last year, reflecting an increase of 38.87 percent. He noted that Vehari, Dera Ghazi Khan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal and Layyah emerged as the leading cotton producing districts in terms of arrivals, while Lodhran, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan also registered significant year on year improvement. However, cotton arrivals declined in Rajanpur and Toba Tek Singh.

He observed that although early season arrivals from Punjab are encouraging, recent rainfall has significantly affected crop growth, particularly across southern Punjab. According to him, crop development was initially more vigorous than last year, but over the past one and a half weeks vegetative growth has virtually stalled, raising concerns about the crop’s production potential. He further pointed out that the high price of DAP fertilizer has become a major challenge for growers, limiting its timely and balanced application. At the same time, the recent spell of extreme heat has triggered fruit shedding in several cotton growing areas, increasing the risk of lower yields.

Sajid Mahmood further said that cotton arrivals in Sindh reached 326,403 bales by July 15, representing an increase of 113.82 percent over the corresponding period last year. He noted that Sanghar remained Pakistan’s largest cotton producing district, with 280,393 bales reported. Significant increases in arrivals were also recorded in Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Jamshoro and Nawabshah. He added that relatively stronger winds in Sindh helped moderate the impact of extreme heat compared with Punjab, resulting in comparatively lower heat stress on the crop.

He also stated that Balochistan posted positive growth, with cotton arrivals increasing from 5,100 bales last year to 9,700 bales this season, representing an increase of 90.20 percent.

Commenting on the current crop condition during the telephone conversation, Sajid Mahmood said that only a few weeks ago there were strong expectations that boll size and weight would surpass last year’s levels because the crop had shown promising early growth. However, recent weather conditions have weakened those expectations. According to him, the average boll weight currently stands at approximately 2.75 grams. He explained that although the overall boll load on the crop remains satisfactory, high yields depend not only on the number of bolls but also on their size, weight and proper development. If weather conditions do not improve over the coming weeks, reduced boll weight may ultimately lead to lower than expected per acre yields.

He further said that according to the PCGA, 466,925 bales had been ginned by July 15, while 445,779 bales had already been sold. Despite this, ginning factories were holding an unsold stock of 82,121 bales, compared with 47,771 bales during the same period last year. According to him, the substantial increase in unsold inventories indicates that the pace of purchasing by the textile industry has remained relatively slow despite higher cotton arrivals.

Concluding the discussion, Sajid Mahmood said that while the PCGA figures clearly reflect a positive start to the cotton season, the ultimate outcome will depend on developments over the coming weeks. Weather conditions, crop growth, boll weight, pest pressure, fertilizer availability and the purchasing trend of the textile industry will collectively determine whether the encouraging early season momentum ultimately translates into higher national cotton production.

Said Mahmood also said Pakistan’s textile industry is no longer facing merely an economic crisis. It is witnessing the erosion of a once thriving industrial culture and the extinguishing of livelihoods for millions of families. This is not simply a story of factory closures. It is the story of a fractured economic backbone upon which much of Pakistan’s economy has long depended. The ongoing decline of the manufacturing sector, particularly the power loom industry, reflects the harsh reality of how flawed policies and an increasingly hostile business environment are dismantling a proud industrial legacy.

The real tragedy today is that soaring electricity and gas tariffs, coupled with an overwhelming tax burden, have made locally produced fabric so expensive that it is steadily moving beyond the purchasing power of ordinary consumers. The situation has been further aggravated by the unchecked influx of inexpensive Chinese and Bangladeshi fabrics, leaving domestic weavers unable to compete on equal terms. Consumers naturally gravitate toward cheaper imported products, while the goods produced by our own skilled craftsmen remain unsold in warehouses. Even when manufacturers succeed in selling their products, payments are often delayed for months.

The consequences are severe. Factories continue to shut down, industrialists with decades of credibility are being pushed toward bankruptcy, and workers whose craftsmanship once clothed people around the world now struggle to secure even the basic necessities of life. Cities such as Faisalabad, whose identity was shaped by the steady rhythm of thousands of looms symbolizing economic vitality, are now witnessing the gradual disappearance of those very factories and looms. The sound of the looms did far more than generate income. It sustained the dreams of millions of households and secured the future of their children. Their fading echo has become a lament for Pakistan’s economic future.

This crisis is sending an unmistakable message. Without economic strength, political independence and national sovereignty remain incomplete aspirations. Crippling energy costs, prohibitively high bank interest rates and growing uncertainty in international markets have steadily eroded the country’s productive capacity from within.

Nations that value long term prosperity nurture their industries as a mother nurtures her child and regard them as pillars of national security. In Pakistan, however, temporary measures and superficial assurances continue to substitute for meaningful structural reforms. It is akin to treating cancer with an aspirin. Time is rapidly running out, while the damage continues to deepen. Unless decisive and emergency measures are taken without delay, future generations will inherit not only economic dependence but also a level of social instability that may become increasingly difficult to contain.

This is not the death of a few factories. It is the burial of a national dream.

Listen to the silent cry of the looms, before it is too late.

The Pakistan Textile Council has called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take immediate action to pull the country’s textile exports out of stagnation, writing to him to seek urgent corrective measures.

In its letter, the council demanded emergency steps to resolve the fundamental problems confronting Pakistan’s textile and garment industry, warning that without swift intervention, the country’s largest export sector risks remaining stuck rather than returning to a path of growth.

The appeal comes against the backdrop of a long-running dispute over Karachi’s historic Cotton Exchange building. Built of red brick on I.I. Chundrigar Road, the structure served for more than a century as the nerve centre of Pakistan’s cotton trade, hosting daily deals, price-setting sessions and gatherings of brokers and industry figures from across the country.

The building was sealed last year, however, bringing all trading activity there to a halt and forcing cotton merchants to relocate to scattered sites around the city. The Sindh High Court has since granted the Karachi Cotton Association temporary relief, permitting it to resume business operations inside the premises. Despite that ruling, the association says its members have still not been allowed back into the building.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026