By Azeem Ahmed Khan

Pakistan’s cotton arrivals increased 19.17% year-on-year to 2.389 million bales by September 15, 2026, with both Punjab and Sindh recording higher arrivals compared with the corresponding period last year.

Arrivals reached 2,388,682 bales, compared with 2,004,384 bales by the same date last year, according to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners’ Association (PCGA) consolidated statement available with Wealth Pakistan.

The statement, dated September 18, said the data was collected in collaboration with the PCGA and Karachi Cotton Association.

Nationally, 2,207,183 bales had been pressed, while total sales reached 2,127,893 bales. Textile mills purchased 2,035,093 bales, up from 1,652,204 bales during the corresponding period last year, while exporters and traders bought 92,800 bales.

Punjab recorded 860,942 bales, up 170,688 bales, or 24.73%, from 690,254 bales last year. The province pressed 788,261 bales and sold 748,177 bales, including 745,377 bales to textile mills and 2,800 bales to exporters and traders.

Sindh remained ahead in absolute arrivals at 1,527,740 bales, an increase of 213,610 bales, or 16.25%, from 1,314,130 bales a year earlier. The province pressed 1,418,922 bales and sold 1,379,716 bales, including 1,289,716 bales to textile mills and 90,000 bales to exporters and traders.

Sanghar remained the country's leading cotton-arrival district, receiving 888,607 bales, up 109,657 bales, or 14.08%, from 778,950 bales last year.

In Punjab, Bahawalnagar recorded the highest arrivals at 166,400 bales, up 91.87%, while Dera Ghazi Khan received 146,415 bales, an increase of 55.64%. Bahawalpur arrivals nearly doubled, rising 96.11% to 125,253 bales.

Strong percentage increases were also recorded in several other districts. Lodhran arrivals rose 166.21% to 15,174 bales, Layyah 106.20% to 76,778 bales, Khairpur 104.58% to 85,473 bales, and Dadu 150% to 4,000 bales.

The statement puts total unsold stock at 260,789 bales, down from 325,780 bales last year. The current season's fortnightly flow stood at 692,231 bales, compared with 668,752 bales last year.

A total of 412 ginning factories were operating, comprising 205 in Punjab and 207 in Sindh.

Credit: INP-WealthPk