Attaché Reports (GAIN)

FAS Islamabad forecasts Pakistan’s MY 2018/19 (August to July) cotton production at 8.5 million 480 lb. bales, up 300,000 bales or 4 percent from the last year’s level. Increased planting area in 2018/19, coupled with steady cotton prices, is incentivizing farmers to adopt good agronomic and plant protection measures. FAS Islamabad increased the MY 2018/19 cotton consumption number to 11 million 480 lb. bales, 2 percent higher than last year due to improved energy supplies to the industry. Pakistan’s cotton imports during MY 2018/19 are forecast at 2.7 million 480 lb. bales, lower than the last year’s estimate of 3.2 million bales due to higher expected production. However, imports of U.S. cotton spiked 115 percent through June of calendar year 2018, reaching a record $500 million, in large part due to Pakistan restricting imports from India last year.

Pakistan: Cotton and Products Update