Pakistan’s cotton output hit 5.6 million bales in 2025-26, far below target, driving import plans amid quality shortages and rising prices.

Pakistan’s 2025-26 cotton production reached 5.607 million bales, a 1.5% rise from last year but 45% below the 10.2 million bale target. Punjab fell 51.5% short of its quota, while Sindh and Balochistan produced 2.915 million bales, 37% below their combined goal but outperformed Punjab. Mills bought 5.188 million bales, exporters 100,078, leaving 400,000 in stock—only 125,000 quality bales. Limited quality supply and expected shipment delays may push prices up, prompting mills to import over four million bales. February arrivals surged 348% year-on-year, with 62,300 bales received, though only 67 ginning factories remain active in Punjab. A recalibration of bale weight from 170 kg to 160 kg suggests a revised target of 10.837 million bales, widening the shortfall to nearly 5.23 million.