Pakistan’s cotton arrivals reached 3.79 million bales by 15 Oct 2025, marking a 22% rise from last year with strong recovery in Punjab and Sindh regions.
1. National Overview
- Total arrivals (2025-26): 3.79 million bales
- Arrivals same period last year (2024-25): 3.10 million bales
- Overall change: +22.37% increase
- Total bales pressed: 3.04 million bales
- Unsold stock: 630,471 bales, compared to 507,566 bales last year.
- Improvement in arrivals indicates better crop yields and ginning activity, despite regional fluctuations.
2. Provincial Breakdown
Punjab Province
- Total arrivals: 1.52 million bales
- Last year’s arrivals: 1.18 million bales
- Increase: +334,448 bales (28.4%)
- Key performing districts:
- Rajanpur: +133.69% (Significant recovery)
- Rahim Yar Khan: +130.49% increase (Highest in Punjab)
- Dera Ghazi Khan: +68.13%
- Vehari: +26.45%
- Districts showing shortfall:
- Lodhran: -71.54%
- Okara: -100%
- Pakpattan: -100%
- Toba Tek Singh: -8.93%
- Faisalabad: -19.60%
- Interpretation: Southern Punjab leads the cotton recovery with strong arrivals, especially in Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and D.G. Khan, while central Punjab remains weak due to weather and pest pressure.
Sindh Province
- Total arrivals: 2.27 million bales
- Last year’s arrivals: 1.91 million bales
- Increase: +19.49%
- Leading districts:
- Sanghar: 1.09 million bales (+4.64%)
- Sukkur: +25.49%
- Mirpur Khas: +43.79%
- Ghotki: +52.03%
- Districts with decline:
- Badin: -56.12%
- Thatta (if considered in small total): Sharp drop due to flood impact.
- Interpretation: Sindh continues to dominate total arrivals with Sanghar contributing nearly half of the province’s total; overall recovery reflects improved pest management and early sowing benefits.
3. Comparative Performance
| Province | 2025 Arrivals (Bales) | 2024 Arrivals (Bales) | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab | 1,520,095 | 1,185,647 | +334,448 | +28.4% |
| Sindh | 2,275,546 | 1,915,787 | +359,759 | +19.5% |
| Pakistan Total | 3,795,641 | 3,101,434 | +694,207 | +22.4% |
4. Ginning and Sales Summary
- Bales pressed: 3.04 million, showing active ginning operations.
- Bales sold: 3.16 million (including textile & export/traders)
- Unsold stock: 630,471 bales, up by 24.2% from last year — reflects slow off-take pace due to cautious mill buying and uncertain export orders.
5. Regional Highlights
- Top three cotton-producing districts (so far):
- Sanghar (Sindh) – 1.09 million bales
- Bahawalnagar (Punjab) – 0.32 million bales
- Bahawalpur (Punjab) – 0.28 million bales
- Highest % Increase:
- Rahim Yar Khan (+130%), Rajanpur (+133%), D.G. Khan (+68%)
- Notable Declines:
- Lodhran (-71%), Faisalabad (-19%), Badin (-56%)
6. Overall Assessment
- The 2025-26 cotton season shows a strong recovery trend, supported by better crop management, favorable weather in Sindh, and extended picking period in Punjab.
- However, textile demand remains cautious, and unsold stock levels have risen slightly.
- National yield improvement reflects both higher sowing area and better pest control compared to the previous season.
7. Outlook
- The arrival trend suggests Pakistan may cross 9–9.5 million bales this season if current momentum continues through December.
- Sindh’s early maturity and Punjab’s late picking will balance total arrivals in coming weeks.
- Key watch factors: international cotton prices, export demand, and mill procurement pace.