Pakistan's cotton production surged 77% to 527,900 bales by July 18, 2026, marking a strong start to the season. Despite this, the textile sector grapples with rising input costs, mill closures, and unemployment, exacerbated by high energy prices and cheap imports. Cotton prices rose by Rs500-800 per maund due to seed cotton shortages, with the Karachi Spot Rate closing at Rs18,300 per maund. The Pakistan Textile Council urges government action to revive stagnant exports and stabilize the industry. Continued economic distress in a key export sector could pressure the PKR, potentially increasing local gold demand as a hedge.
بحوالہ / Source: www.brecorder.com