The arrival of cotton at ginneries in Pakistan by December 15, 2013, has increased by 13.75 percent year-on-year, according to the fortnightly report on cotton arrivals, prepared by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners’ Association (PCGA), in joint cooperation with All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and the Karachi Cotton Association (KCA).

Cotton arrival increased to 12.249 million bales at ginneries in Pakistan as on December 15, 2013, compared to arrival of 10.768 million bales during the corresponding period of last season, according to the data.

The data shows total cotton arrivals growing by 12.95 percent year-on-year to 8.635 million bales in Punjab province, and by 15.72 percent year-on-year to 3.614 million bales in Sindh province.

Of the total arrival, 11.662 million bales were pressed by ginners, of which 10.278 million bales were sold, leaving an unsold stock of 1.384 million bales with the ginners, as on December 15, the PCGA said.

The textile mills in Pakistan consumed 9.962 million bales, while another 315,804 bales of cotton were sold to exporters, the data showed.

At present, a total of 800 ginning factories are operational in Punjab compared to 784 ginneries that were operational during the same time last season.

Similarly, 198 ginning units are currently operational in the Sindh region, as against 178 units being operational during the corresponding period last year.

In 2012-13 cotton season, Pakistan’s cotton output fell by 12.81 percent year-on-year to 12.915 million bales, compared to the previous season’s production of 14.813 million bales, mainly because of less sowing of the crop.

Last week, the Cotton Crop Assessment Committee (CCAC) estimated Pakistan’s total 2013-14 cotton crop at 12.336 million bales, based on the information provided by the Cotton Commissioner and representatives of provincial governments.