Cotton prices in Pakistan have surged to their highest level in two years as supply pressures intensify following disruptions in imports linked to stalled US–Iran negotiations over Gulf tensions.
Limited availability of quality domestic cotton, combined with rising polyester fibre costs, has further tightened market conditions, pushing prices sharply upward across local trading hubs.
As a result, the price of cotton has increased by around Rs 4,000 per maund, reaching Rs 20,500.
According to Chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, Ehsan-ul-Haq, the uncertainty in the Gulf region has disrupted import flows, while domestic supply constraints have further tightened the market.
He added that advance trading in cotton and phutti has also accelerated significantly in local markets.
In several reported deals, traders in Sindh’s Tando Bago sold advance cotton truckloads for delivery in May at around Rs 10,000 per 40 kg, while another deal from Digri was reported at Rs 10,500 per 40 kg for later delivery. In addition, a ginning factory in Sanghar reportedly sold 200 bales in advance at Rs 21,700 per maund.
Industry sources expect further advance deals in the coming weeks, as strong phutti prices may encourage increased cotton cultivation in Pakistan this year.
