As per a report by Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association, Pakistan’s cotton production declined by 2.8 million bales till December 15. The country produced 5 million bales during the first 15 days of this month which is 35.67 per cent less as compared to more than 7 million bales produced till December 15 last year. The purchase of cotton bales by local textile mills’ declined by 35.06 per cent to 4.1 million bales during this period. The ginners had the stock of more than 800,000 bales which is 35.06 percent less as compared to the last year stock of more than 1.2 million bales.

Punjab produced 2.9 million cotton bales during this period which is 1.4 million bales less as compared to the last year’s production of 4.4 million bales. In Sindh 2.8 million bales were produced which is 1.3 million bales less than the last years production.

Naseem Usman, Chairman, Karachi Cotton Brokers Forum, said as this year Pakistan's textile sector is running on full capacity, demand for cotton may reach more than 10 million bales. He estimated Pakistan to produce 6 million bales and import 7 million bales worth $6 billion to fulfill the demands of the local industry.