Pakistan 2016-17 Cotton Production Down At 8 Million Bales - USDA

MUMBAI (Commoditiescontrol) - Pakistan’s 2016-17 cotton production is forecast at 8.0 million bales (480 lb), down one million bales from the previous estimate of 9.0 million bales, according to USDA Attaché.

Area planted is lower than previously forecast. While agronomic, irrigation, and climatic factors limit the degree to which farmers can opt out of cotton, it appears the growers have shifted to corn and sugarcane where possible. Both crops benefit from significant tariffs that insulate domestic market prices from the international market, while cotton producers face stiff competition from imports.

Imports of cotton continue, but are expected to slow somewhat as new crop cotton becomes available. 2015-16 imports are now estimated at 3.5 million 480 lb bales, the second highest import level on record.

2016-17 imports are also forecast higher reflecting the need to offset lower production in the face of stable demand.





(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91-22-40015533)