Flood Reduces Cotton Production in Pakistan: Imports of Fujian and China Cotton Yarn

Business News Agency, August 20th – On August 19th, the Pakistani publication "Business Chronicle" reported that severe flooding has caused significant damage to the country's cotton crops. According to authoritative estimates, approximately 15% of Pakistan's cotton fields have been destroyed, leading to a projected drop in cotton output to 1.9 million tons. The Secretariat of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) released a statement indicating that the most optimistic scenario is a 6 to 8% loss across the entire cotton-growing region. However, the aftermath of the floods—such as increased pests and diseases—is expected to worsen the situation further.

Given the high level of uncertainty surrounding the extent of the losses, the ICAC has revised its forecast for Pakistan’s cotton production in the 2010–2011 season, reducing it from an earlier estimate of 2.2 million tons to 1.9 million tons. This decline comes after one of the worst flood disasters in Pakistan’s history, which has severely impacted agricultural areas and disrupted supply chains.

Pakistan is among the world’s top cotton producers, alongside China, India, the United States, and Brazil. Chinese textile companies rely heavily on cotton yarn imports from Pakistan each year. With this year’s cotton production falling sharply due to the unprecedented flooding, it is likely to affect future exports of cotton yarn. Additionally, the reduced domestic supply may intensify competition for raw materials in the region, putting more pressure on the already tight cotton market. Analysts warn that these developments could lead to higher prices and greater challenges for manufacturers relying on Pakistani cotton.