Cotton Prices in Pakistan Today (per 40kg/maund) - April 27, 2026
Last Updated: • 8 min read
Raw Cotton (Phutti)
Average per 40 kg (maund)
Cotton Lint (Grade A)
Premium per 40 kg
Cotton prices in Pakistan are a critical economic indicator for the agricultural and textile sectors. Pakistan is the 4th largest cotton producer globally and the largest textile exporter in South Asia, making cotton rates in Pakistan today significant for both rural farmers and urban industrial workers. The commodity is traded in 40 kg bags (maund) at major market yards, with Karachi serving as the primary price discovery center for the country.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cotton Products & Today's Prices
The cotton value chain in Pakistan produces multiple products from raw phutti (unginned cotton) to finished yarn. Here are the cotton prices in Pakistan today for all key products:
| Product | Unit | Karachi Price | Multan Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Cotton (Phutti) | per 40 kg | Rs. 17,000 - 18,500 | Rs. 17,500 - 19,000 | Unginned, field rate |
| Cotton Seed | per 40 kg | Rs. 3,500 - 4,200 | Rs. 3,800 - 4,500 | For oil extraction |
| Cotton Lint (Grade A) | per 40 kg | Rs. 22,000 - 24,000 | Rs. 21,500 - 23,500 | Pure, clean fiber |
| Cotton Lint (Grade B) | per 40 kg | Rs. 19,500 - 21,500 | Rs. 19,000 - 21,000 | Standard quality |
| Cotton Lint (Grade C) | per 40 kg | Rs. 17,000 - 19,000 | Rs. 16,500 - 18,500 | Lower grade |
| Cotton Yarn (Count 20) | per kg | Rs. 480 - 520 | Rs. 490 - 530 | For weaving |
| Cotton Yarn (Count 30) | per kg | Rs. 520 - 560 | Rs. 530 - 570 | Fine fabric |
| Cotton Waste (Hur) | per 40 kg | Rs. 4,000 - 6,000 | Rs. 4,200 - 6,500 | For spinning coarse yarn |
City-Wise Cotton Prices in Pakistan
Cotton prices vary across Pakistani cities based on proximity to ginning factories, textile mills, and trading infrastructure:
| City | Lint Price | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karachi | Rs. 22,500/40kg | ▲ Up 3% | Textile demand surge |
| Multan | Rs. 21,800/40kg | ▲ Up 2% | Quality crop arriving |
| Lahore | Rs. 21,500/40kg | Stable | Balanced supply/demand |
| Faisalabad | Rs. 21,000/40kg | ▼ Down 1% | Mill intake lowered |
| Rahim Yar Khan | Rs. 22,000/40kg | ▲ Up 2% | Premium quality |
| Sukkur | Rs. 20,500/40kg | Stable | Sindh crop average |
| Gujranwala | Rs. 21,200/40kg | Stable | Normal market |
| Sahiwal | Rs. 21,500/40kg | ▲ Up 1% | Good quality rush |
Cotton & Textile Industry: The Pakistan Connection
Pakistan's textile industry is the largest manufacturing sector of the country and directly dependent on domestic cotton production:
- Textile Share of GDP: 8.5% of GDP, employs 40% of industrial labor force
- Export Revenue: Textiles and clothing account for 60% of Pakistan's exports ($15+ billion annually)
- Cotton Consumption: Pakistan's textile mills consume approximately 14-15 million bales per year (170 kg each)
- Gap Problem: Domestic production of 8-10 million bales is insufficient, requiring imports of 4-6 million bales annually from India (before 2019 ban), Brazil, and USA
- Value Chain: Phutti (raw cotton) → Ginning (separates lint from seed) → Lint for yarn → Fabric → Garments
Global Cotton Market Factors
International cotton prices significantly impact Pakistani rates since cotton is globally traded in US cents per pound:
- NYBOT Futures: Cotton is traded on the New York Board of Trade (ICE Futures). Price movements in cents/lb directly translate to PKR/kg changes.
- PKR-USD Exchange Rate: When the dollar strengthens, cotton becomes more expensive in PKR terms even if international prices are stable.
- India's Export Policy: India is the largest cotton producer after China. Indian export restrictions or surges can swing global prices.
- Synthetic Competition: Polyester and other synthetic fibers compete with cotton. When crude oil prices rise, synthetics become more expensive, increasing cotton demand.
- China Demand: China is the world's largest cotton importer. Chinese textile export demand directly influences global cotton prices.
Pakistan Cotton Production Statistics
Pakistan has historically been a major cotton producer but has faced declining yields in recent years:
- Annual Production: 8-10 million bales (170 kg each) — well below target of 15 million
- Major Producing Areas: Punjab (70%): Bahawalpur, Multan, Vehari, Rahim Yar Khan; Sindh (25%): Hyderabad, Sanghar, Nawabshah; KPK (5%)
- Area Under Cultivation: 2.5-3 million hectares (declining)
- Average Yield: 700-800 kg per hectare (below global average of 850 kg)
- Primary Varieties: Bt cotton (genetically modified, dominant), IPM varieties, Desi cotton
- Ginning Factories: Over 400 ginning factories across cotton-producing regions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of cotton in Pakistan today?
Cotton prices in Pakistan today range from Rs. 17,000 to Rs. 22,000 per 40 kg (maund) depending on quality, location, and market conditions. The rate varies significantly between Karachi (major trading hub) and interior cotton-producing areas.
Which city has the highest cotton price in Pakistan?
Multan and Rahim Yar Khan typically see the highest cotton prices due to proximity to cotton fields and ginning factories, reducing transport costs. Karachi usually has slightly lower prices due to bulk trading volumes.
What determines cotton prices in Pakistan?
Cotton prices in Pakistan are influenced by: international cotton futures (NYBOT), PKR exchange rate (cotton traded in cents/lb internationally), domestic supply from Punjab and Sindh, demand from textile mills, government policies, and seasonal harvest patterns.
Why is Pakistan's cotton production declining?
Pakistan's cotton production has declined due to: water scarcity and climate change affecting yields, farmers switching to more profitable crops like sugarcane, pest attacks (whitefly, pink bollworm), outdated seed varieties, and competition from synthetic alternatives.