Pakistan Cotton Arrival (As on 15 December 2025)
1. Executive Summary
Pakistan’s cotton arrivals have reached 5.30 million bales, showing a marginal year-on-year decline of 1.23% compared to last year’s arrivals at the same stage. While Sindh has recorded a net increase, Punjab remains under pressure, resulting in an overall slight national shortfall. Sales to the textile sector remain strong, but unsold stocks are higher, reflecting cautious buying behavior amid price sensitivity and imported cotton availability .
2. National Overview
- Total Arrivals: 5,301,408 bales
- Last Year (Same Period): 5,367,334 bales
- Difference: –65,926 bales (–1.23%)
- Total Sold: 4,665,761 bales
- Total Unsold Stock: 635,647 bales
- Fortnightly Flow: 167,788 bales
(slightly lower than last year’s 176,609 bales)
Interpretation:
The cotton season is progressing steadily, but overall momentum remains slightly weaker than last year. Lower arrivals are partly offset by steady mill offtake.
3. Punjab Cotton Situation
- Total Arrivals (Punjab): 2,453,265 bales
- Last Year: 2,593,949 bales
- Shortfall: 140,684 bales (–5.42%)
- Unsold Stock: 323,888 bales
Key Punjab District Insights
- Major Shortfalls:
- Lodhran: –74.6%
- Muzaffargarh: –52.1%
- Multan: –27.8%
- Sahiwal: –23.8%
- Positive Performers:
- Dera Ghazi Khan: +34.4%
- Rajanpur: +108.7%
- Vehari: +20.4%
Analysis:
Punjab’s cotton crop remains inconsistent. Southern districts such as D.G. Khan and Rajanpur show recovery, but traditional core areas (Multan belt) continue to underperform, likely due to pest pressure, reduced sowing, and weather stress .
4. Sindh Cotton Situation
- Total Arrivals (Sindh): 2,848,143 bales
- Last Year: 2,773,385 bales
- Increase: +74,758 bales (+2.70%)
- Unsold Stock: 212,975 bales
Key Sindh District Insights
- Strong Contributors:
- Sanghar: 1.25 million bales (+0.87%)
- Nawabshah: +56.2%
- Naushero Feroze: +11.1%
- Hyderabad: +8.0%
- Pressure Areas:
- Khairpur: –3.3%
- Ghotki: –7.8%
- Sukkur: –3.5%
Analysis:
Sindh continues to be the backbone of Pakistan’s cotton crop, offsetting Punjab’s weakness. Central Sindh districts, particularly Sanghar and Nawabshah, are showing strong resilience and improved yields .
5. Sales & Stock Position
- Total Sold (Textile Sector): 4.49 million bales
- Exports / Traders: 175,200 bales
- Unsold Stock (National): 635,647 bales
- Unginned Stock: 98,784 bales
Market Interpretation:
- Textile mills remain active buyers but are price-conscious, balancing local cotton against imported alternatives.
- Higher unsold stocks compared to last year indicate selective purchasing, especially for quality lots.
6. Comparative Year-on-Year Perspective
| Indicator | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Arrivals | 5.30 mln | 5.37 mln | –1.23% |
| Punjab | 2.45 mln | 2.59 mln | –5.42% |
| Sindh | 2.85 mln | 2.77 mln | +2.70% |
| Unsold Stock | 635,647 | 614,320 | +3.5% |
Conclusion:
Pakistan’s cotton crop is broadly stable, but structural challenges persist, particularly in Punjab. Sindh’s improved performance has prevented a sharper national decline .
7. Outlook & Market Implications
- Prices: Likely to remain range-bound due to comfortable availability and imports.
- Mills: Will continue blending local and imported cotton.
- Ginners: May face margin pressure due to slower liquidation of stocks.
- Exports: Limited upside unless domestic prices become competitive.
Final Conclusion
As of mid-December 2025, Pakistan’s cotton arrivals reflect a near-flat national performance, with Sindh compensating for Punjab’s decline. The season remains manageable for the textile industry, but sustainable recovery will depend on crop improvement measures, better pest control, and farmer incentives in the coming seasons.