Cotton Imports.

The Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) has issued a warning that a delay in cotton imports can pose a risk to the timely delivery of export orders. Since 2.5 million bales are required immediately for the textile export industry, the PTEA has urged for the lifting of the import ban on Indian cotton.

The torrential rains and floods have engulfed the country's cotton fields, resulting in serious losses for the sector. In Punjab, many cotton-producing areas have suffered heavy damage due to stormy rains. Cotton crop over 210,000 acres of land has been affected due to the floods. A huge shortfall in cotton production could be on the cards this year with half of the country's crop being washed away.

The annual estimated consumption for the country is around 12 million bales, however production this year is expected to be around 5.5 million bales, resulting in a shortfall of at least 6 million bales. Therefore, importing raw cotton from other countries seems like the only feasible option at the moment. India is considered to be the best option as...