Pakistan’s cotton arrivals at factories increased significantly during the current season. Arrivals reached 1.114 million bales by August 15, 2026.
The figure represents a 25 percent increase compared with the same period last year. Factories had received around 887,000 bales by August 15, 2025.
The latest figures were compiled by Arif Habib Limited. Sindh recorded the strongest growth among the major cotton-producing provinces.
Sindh Leads Cotton Arrival Growth
Sindh accounted for 734,000 bales by August 15. This was 42 percent higher than the previous year.
Punjab recorded 379,000 bales during the same period. Arrivals from Punjab increased by 3 percent year over year.
The stronger performance in Sindh helped lift overall cotton arrivals. However, national production still faces several challenges.
The latest increase provides an improvement compared with last year. However, current arrivals remain below levels seen in earlier seasons.
Cotton Sowing Reaches 1.60 Million Hectares
Cotton sowing has also progressed during the current fiscal year. Farmers have planted cotton across 1.60 million hectares.
This represents 74.3 percent of the government’s target. The government has set a sowing target of 2.16 million hectares.
The remaining gap means additional planting and stronger crop performance are needed. Weather and other agricultural conditions could influence final production.
The sowing figures will remain important for Pakistan’s cotton production outlook. Higher cultivation can support larger arrivals in coming months.
Government Sets Higher Production Target
The government has set an ambitious cotton production target for fiscal year 2026-27.
The target stands at 9.64 million bales. This is considerably higher than production recorded during the previous fiscal year.
Pakistan produced around 7.05 million bales in fiscal year 2025-26. The new target therefore requires a substantial improvement.
The increase in factory arrivals is a positive sign. However, current figures alone are not enough to confirm that the target will be achieved.
Farmers will need strong yields throughout the season. Continued improvements in cultivation and crop management will also remain important.
Arrivals Remain Below Previous Years
Despite the latest growth, cotton arrivals are still below earlier levels. August 2023 recorded significantly higher factory arrivals.
Factories received around 2.12 million bales during August 2023. The latest figure remains almost half that level.
Arrivals were approximately 1.08 million bales in August 2024. They fell to around 888,000 bales in August 2025.
The 2026 figure shows an improvement from the previous year. However, it remains below the levels recorded before the recent decline.
Outlook for Pakistan’s Cotton Sector
The latest arrival figures provide a mixed picture for Pakistan’s cotton sector. The annual increase indicates stronger supply compared with last season.
Sindh has been the main contributor to this growth. Punjab has also recorded a smaller increase in arrivals.
However, the government’s production target remains challenging. The country needs a major recovery to reach 9.64 million bales.
Cotton remains important for Pakistan’s agricultural and textile sectors. Higher production can support domestic textile activity and reduce supply pressures.
The coming months will determine whether current gains continue. Final production will depend on crop yields and overall seasonal conditions.
In other related news also read Pakistan Achieves Record Cotton Exports
For now, the 25 percent annual increase offers a positive start. Yet Pakistan still has a considerable gap to close before reaching its production target.
