Pakistan: Cotton and Products Update

Despite lower cotton production, Pakistan's textile sector is back at full capacity and appears to be on track to achieve higher exports in the long run. In order to realize export-led growth in this sector, the Government of Pakistan is finalizing Textile Policy 2020/25, which aims to make Pakistan more competitive globally. Pakistan’s cotton production for the 2020/21 marketing year (MY) (August/July) is estimated at 4.7 million 480 lb bales, down 24 percent from the last year mainly due to a 10 percent decrease in area planted, crop damage from heavy monsoon rains, and severe pest infestation. The shortfall in domestic supplies will be bridged through imports, with cotton imports forecast at a record 4.9 million 480 lb bales – an import level surpassing the estimate for MY 2020/21 cotton production. The Pakistan government’s better management of COVID-19 generally allowed businesses to operate. MY 2020/21 cotton consumption is expected to increase 13 percent over the last year due to ongoing brisk pace.

Pakistan: Cotton and Products Update