MULTAN (August 25, 2010): Fifteen members of Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA)'s central executive committee were elected unopposed for the year 2010-11. According to election commission, total 16 candidates filed their candidature for the 15 vacant seats of executive committee. Of them ex-chairman Haji Muhammad Ibrahim withdrew his candidature.

KARACHI (August 25, 2010): Prices showed upward trend on the cotton market on Tuesday due to pre-Eid purchasing by the mills, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was raised by Rs 150 to Rs 6,450, they said. In the ready business nearly 16000 bales of cotton changed between Rs 6300-7100, they said.

LAHORE (August 25, 2010): Annual election's process at the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has been started with chances of neck of neck contests between the rivals for the office of central Chairman, said sources. Nomination papers were filed at the central as well as zonal offices to accept and reject nominations of candidates for annual elections, scheduled for September 6, 2010.

KARACHI (August 24, 2010): Steadier trend was seen on the cotton market on Monday as mills continued massive buying to cover the short-term and forward needs as well, due to apprehended uncertainties after floods, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was unchanged at Rs 6,300, they said.

LAHORE (August 24, 2010): Punjab Agriculture Department has directed all its District Agriculture Officers (extension) in cotton growing areas to pace up their efforts for saving the cotton crop from water-related diseases such as boll rottening emerging due to flood and rain water. The department has issued a 'cotton crop management' advisory saying that the crop has entered its most crucial phase where picking of each extra boll matters.

KARACHI (August 23, 2010): Modest trading in cotton was marked as prices depicted variations. Spot rate raised by Rs 100 to Rs 6600 on the opening day, while rates in ready -- higher than spot rate - Rs 6700. After moving up and down spot rate was brought down to Rs 6300 and lint prices to Rs 6000-6550 on the week closing day on August 21,2010.

KARACHI (August 23, 2010): With the end of August month, monsoon rains may end but floods may continue for some time. September month may be crucial for cotton crop as pest / diseases attacks on cotton plants are feared. Ginning operation is getting momentum with the increase in arrivals.

MULTAN (August 23, 2010): Syed Muhammad Aasim Shah, a leader of Value Added Textile Forum (VTF), has said that Prime Minister and Foreign Minister should raise the slogan of "trade not aid" to draw the attention of world towards Pakistan which incurred a loss of 100 billion dollars in war against terror and 300 billion in recent floods.

KARACHI (August 22, 2010): Prices dropped on the cotton market on Saturday despite the persisting demand by the mills, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate continued decline, dropping Rs 200 to Rs 6,300, they said. In the ready business, nearly 9000 bales of cotton changed between Rs 6000-6550, they said.

MULTAN (August 22, 2010): Minister for Textile Industry, Rana Farooq Saeed Khan has said US, European Union and Canada should grant Pakistan access to their markets to economically strengthen Pakistan. "We want trade not aid," the minister said while addressing the Executive Committee of Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) chaired by Malik Asrar Ahmed Awan here on Saturday.

KARACHI (August 21, 2010): Official spot rate was brought down on the cotton market on Friday due to declining demand by the mills, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was lowered by Rs 200 to Rs 6,500, they said. In the ready business, nearly 7000 bales off cotton changed hands between Rs 6100-6800, they said.

LAHORE (August 21, 2010): Minister for Textile Industry, Rana Farooq Saeed Khan has said Pakistan will not beg for market access to US and EU markets because it genuinely qualifies for it now. The minister said floods have devastated the infrastructure in many areas of the country therefore Pakistan should be provided market access to the US and EU markets. He said a delegation of the textile ministry would soon visit the US, EU and Canada to lobby for market access.

KARACHI (August 20, 2010): Strong mills' buying saved the prices from sharp fall on the cotton market on Thursday, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was unchanged at Rs 6,700, they said. In the ready business, over 12000 bales of cotton changed hands between Rs 6350-7100, they said.

LAHORE (August 20, 2010): In a major correctional initiative, cotton prices fell precipitously on the ready market on Thursday ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 600 per maund (37.32 Kgs). Sindh prices conceded between Rs 100 to Rs 300 per maund while Punjab suffered a decline Rs 300 to Rs 600 per maund (37.32 Kgs) of cotton on Thursday compared to a day earlier.

KARACHI (August 20, 2010): Pakistan's textile industry is asking for greater access to the US and European Union markets as it struggles for survival after floods devastated the country. Industry representatives say flood damage to the cotton crop and consequent supply shortages could be a final blow to an industry that is already under pressure from shrinking global demand, crippling power shortages and instability brought on by a Taliban insurgency.

WASHINGTON (August 19, 2010): Pakistan lost 15 percent of its cotton crop to flooding, an international farm group estimated, which would reduce the harvest to 1.9 million tonnes. The International Cotton Advisory Committee secretariat said in a statement on Tuesday that "best guesses are that 6-8 percent of the total cotton area has been lost entirely."

KARACHI (August 19, 2010): Firm trend was seen on the cotton market on Wednesday following the new Indian policy, in which it permitted to export cotton without mandatory licences, but registration process will be required, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was unchanged at Rs 6,700, they said.

LAHORE (August 19, 2010): Convenor All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) Punjab has condemned recent electricity tariff hike by seven percent on B-3/B-4 connections for the textile industry in the month of August and feared heavy closure of mills ahead. According to him, this strident increase in power tariff would affect the viability of the textile spinning and weaving mills badly.

MUMBAI (August 18, 2010): India has allowed cotton exports without mandatory licences, but the registration process will be required, a government notification said on Tuesday. The notification said the above will come into effect from October 1, 2010, when the cotton year begins. India halted export registration on April 19 and allowed exports under licence on May 21 to rein in prices.

LAHORE (August 18, 2010): Minister Textile Industry Rana Farooq Saeed said on Tuesday that total loss of cotton crop due to present floods is not more than two million bales. Talking to Business Recorder on his visit to All Pakistan Texile Mills Association (APTMA) Punjab, Minister Textile said he was misquoted earlier that 40 percent of cotton crop is likely to be damaged out of floods in the country.

KARACHI (August 18, 2010): Firmness prevailed on the cotton market on Tuesday as several mills covered their short-term position despite the upward trend in the prices, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate's overnight losses were recovered after raising by Rs 100 to Rs 6,700, they said.

LAHORE (August 18, 2010): Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has deputed Minister Textile to persuade textile industry for monetary aid, instead of relief goods, for flood affected people. Talking to spinners at the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Punjab, Minister Textile Industry Rana Farooq Saeed said he had told premier that businessmen were not willing to pay cash funds and instead they were inclined more to relief goods to flood affected people.

KARACHI (August 17, 2010): Prices showed slight change on the cotton market on Monday as phutti supply was tight due to floods in huge part of cotton growing areas and heavy losses, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate reduction continued by a Rs 100 cut to Rs 6,600, they said. In the ready business more than 6000 bales of cotton changed hands between Rs 6175-7000, they said.

LAHORE (August 17, 2010): All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) Punjab Chairman Gohar Ejaz said on Monday the government should immediately import 2 million bales cotton from the US under the USAID programme to mitigate the negative impact of floods on cotton crop locally.

KARACHI (August 16, 2010): Heavy rains and unprecedented devastating floods have not only jeopardised cotton crop but the national economy also. The rains are going on and so the floods and the damage to cotton crop cannot be ascertained at this stage.

KARACHI (August 16, 2010): The trading continued with caution as cotton looked up right from day one. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) kept on raising the spot rate from last week's Rs 6600 to Rs 7000 till Thursday. Similarly prices in ready touched Rs 7400 mark.

FAISALABAD (August 15, 2010): Federal Textile Minister Rana Mohammad Farooq Saeed Khan has feared 30 percent to 40 percent decrease in cotton production due to recent floods in the country. Addressing the Iftar Party with textile exporters at Pakistan Textile Exporters Association, here on Saturday, he said that country was facing one of the worst floods, which has ruined the national economy in addition to inflicting colossal loss to the infrastructure.

KARACHI (August 14, 2010): Declining trend prevailed on the cotton market on Friday as expectations for the phutti arrivals are rising, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was cut down by Rs 300 to Rs 6,700, they said. In the ready business about 8000 bales of cotton changed hands between Rs 6200-7100, they said.

ISLAMABAD (August 14, 2010): Ministry of Textile has asked the textile units across the country to get registered by August 30 for making themselves eligible to get benefit of any government scheme under the new textile policy, Business Recorder has learnt. After the expiry date, unregistered units will not be entitled to any sort of benefit under the new textile policy, informed sources in the textile industry revealed.

LAHORE (August 13, 2010): Some 800,000 cotton bales have been damaged by flood devastation in Southern Punjab so far, said textile industry sources. According to the reliable sources, a total of 540,000 acres of cotton sowing area in Southern Punjab is affected badly from flood where standing cotton crop is damaged heavily.

LAHORE (August 13, 2010): After rising rapidly over the past several days on fears of crop damage, deterioration of quality and possible delay in arrivals, cotton prices conceded between Rs 100 to Rs 150 per maund (37.32 Kgs) in Sindh, while in the Punjab they slided by about Rs 300 to Rs 400 per maund on reported improvement in arrivals.

KARACHI (August 13, 2010): In a surprising turn, prices showed no major fluctuations on the cotton market on Thursday as situation in parts of floods affected areas improving a bit as a result of the sun shine, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was unchanged at Rs 7,000, they said.

ISLAMABAD (August 13, 2010): Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has urged the government to look into the reasons why Pakistan's share in textile is only one percent in global exports despite being a cotton producing country.

KARACHI (August 12, 2010): Prices extended ground on the cotton market on Wednesday as a result of persisting demand by the mills to meet the near-term requirements, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was extended rise by Rs 100 to Rs 7,000, they said.

FAISALABAD (August 12, 2010): Rupees 12 billion funds of textile exporters have been stuck up in draw back regime as the State Bank of Pakistan is not paying the exporter's claims over the last two months. This was stated by the Chairman Pakistan Textile Exporters Association Khurram Mukhtar and Vice Chairman Sohail Pasha talking to newsmen here Wednesday.

ISLAMABAD (August 12, 2010): Pakistan's leather industry may face an acute shortage of raw material as recent floods have swept away thousands of animals, Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) said on Wednesday. According to PTA, Pakistan's leather exports from last few years are continuously decreasing. In 2008-09 the sector faced a sharp decline of 28 percent in leather goods export, while on the other hand Indian exports of the same commodity witnessed a 26 percent increase in the first six months of 2009.

KARACHI (August 11, 2010): Panic buying by mills helped the rates maintain firmness on the cotton market on Tuesday amid tight supply and strong demand, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate surge was maintained by, raising Rs 150 to Rs 6,900, increase for the second day in a row, they said. In the ready business approximately 5,700 bales of cotton changed hands between Rs 6200-7300, they said.

LAHORE (August 11, 2010): Chairman All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) Punjab Gohar Ejaz has urged the government to seek immediate market access from the US and the EU in the backdrop of UN report, suggesting that the magnitude of current floods is higher than Tsunami in Sri Lanka and earthquakes in Haiti and Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.

KARACHI (August 10, 2010): Unprecedented floods in the country played havoc and also caused damage to cotton crop, which pushed the rates sharply higher on the cotton market on Monday, dealers said. In a single day rally the Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was raised steeply by Rs 150 to Rs 6,750, they said.

KARACHI (August 09, 2010): Cotton trade was progressing despite the fact that prices rising and quality loss was rife among the consumers. The spot rate on Friday, after Rs 200 addition, was noted at Rs 6600, and remained unchanged on the closing day. Rates in ready attained the highest level at Rs7000. Rains, floods and traumatic Karachi situation took their toll.

KARACHI (August 08, 2010): Prices touched the new highs at Rs 7000 on the cotton market on Saturday as a result of tight supply position, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot, however, was unchanged at Rs 6,600 they said. In the ready business, approximately 4,400 bales of cotton changed hands between Rs 6050-7000, they said. Phutti prices were up in Sindh at Rs 2525-2700 and in Punjab, rates were at Rs 2900-3200, they added.

KARACHI (August 07, 2010): Prices were sharply higher on the cotton market on Friday as supply position was tight following the rains and floods, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot was up by Rs 100 to Rs 6,600 they said. In the ready business approximately 7000 bales of cotton changed hands between Rs 6100-6850, they said.

LAHORE (August 07, 2010): All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) Punjab has welcomed the Sui Northern Gas Company Ltd (SNGPL) decision for revising gas holiday schedule for textile industry, curtailing it to two days from earlier proposed five days. The Managing Committee of APTMA Punjab appreciated the MD SNGPL A. Rashid Lone for ensuring equitable sharing of burden of gas load management programme on all respective sectors.

KARACHI (August 06, 2010): Trading activity picked up on the cotton market on Thursday as mills continue forward buying in anticipation of further rise in the rates, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot was raised by Rs 200 to Rs 6,500 due to short supply position, they said.

LAHORE (August 06, 2010): After calming down during the last fortnight of the previous month, lint prices have leapt up again due to fears that the worst rains and floods seen since the past eighty years in Pakistan may have damaged the standing cotton crop (2010-2011) in meaningful numbers.

ISLAMABAD (August 06, 2010): The European Union investigators have unearthed a garments scam of millions of euros in which European importers and Bangladeshi exporters were complicit. According to EU's anti-fraud agency commonly known under its French abbreviation OLAF, (Office de Lutte Anti-Fraude), Bangladesh clothing origin certificates issued since 2005 showed "hundreds of thousands" were false - and in fact cargoes had come from China.

KARACHI (August 05, 2010): Modest trading was seen on the cotton markets on Wednesday as ginners raised asking prices due to short supply position, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot was higher by Rs 100, to Rs 6300 per maund, owing to slow arrivals of phutti, they said. In the ready business, approximately 3000 bales changed hands at rates ranging from Rs 6500 to Rs 6700, they said.

ISLAMABAD (August 04, 2010): Pakistan is likely to miss the target, set for the production of cotton, by 3 million bales owing to the heavy rains and floods during the current fiscal year which would adversely affect the exports of textile, Business Recorder learnt Tuesday. The government has set a production target of 14 million bales, to be cultivated on 3.2 million hectares for the year 2010-11.

KARACHI (August 04, 2010): Shutters were down at the commercial centres on Tuesday in the city, including cotton market. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) did not issue official spot rate due to tense situation in the city after killing of 35 people in the city.

FAISALABAD (August 04, 2010): Pakistan Yarn Merchants have expressed grave concern over the complicated and anti-business taxation policy and warned that if the new turnover tax rate is not withdrawn immediately, yarn traders would close their businesses as a mark of protest, resultantly, thousands of wage earners would become jobless.

MULTAN (August 04, 2010): The Chairman All Pakistan Bedsheets & Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA), M. Anees Khawaja has showed deep concerns over the increase in Policy rate by the SBP and said the textile industry is already under extreme pressure due to consistent energy shortage.

KARACHI (August 03, 2010): The executive committee of the Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) has unanimously elected its chairman Sohail Naseem on the board of trustees of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) for the term 2010-2012 commencing from 01-07-2010.

KARACHI (August 03, 2010): The rates were firm on the cotton market on Monday due to stoppage in phutti arrivals and following the more rains expectations in the country, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was left unchanged at Rs 6200, they said.

MULTAN (August 03, 2010): "We have rejected the recent increase in the mark up rates announced by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in its monetary policy recently. Although Export Running Finance (ERF) was increased by state bank in the first half of this calendar year and yet again, this is another increase."

KARACHI (August 02, 2010): Tight supplies and marginal interest shown by consumers impacted fluctuation during the week, which was marred by rains and floods. The spot rate opened higher by Rs 150 to Rs 6000 and after being raised by Rs 100 twice was at Rs 6200 on July 31 2010, last day of the week.

KARACHI (August 02, 2010): Last week, moderate to heavy rains were received widely in Northern areas of Pakistan which are non-cotton areas. However, a small part of cotton belt comprising of Rajanpur, Jampur, Alipur and D G Khan areas received torrential rains and were hit by flood waters. The damage, if any, may be nominal.

KARACHI (August 01, 2010): Some fluctuations were seen on the cotton market on Saturday following the prospects of more rains. So mills continued buying on anticipations of slow arrival in the near-future, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was unchanged at Rs 6200, they said.

KARACHI (August 01, 2010): To secure market access for textile products abroad negotiation for bilateral agreements with EU and the US is actively taken up by the Ministry of Commerce as there is a ready market of our products in these regions. The statement was made by Zafar Mahmood, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce during his visit to All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma), Karachi on Friday July 30.

LAHORE (August 01, 2010): The textile industry has termed the increase in interest rate as anti-industry, predicting bad time ahead. Talking to Business Recorder, textile circles said increase in interest rate is part of a conspiracy against the textile industry, especially the spinning sector that is already being dealt with awkwardly by the ministry of textile industry.

KARACHI (July 31, 2010): Moderate trading was seen on the cotton market on Friday as most of ginners raised asking prices but the mills showed slight resistance in an effort to keep prices at a realistic level, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was left unchanged at Rs 6200, they said.

KARACHI (July 31, 2010): To secure market access for textile products abroad, negotiation for bilateral agreements with EU and the US is actively taken up by the ministry of commerce as there is a ready market of our products in these regions. The statement was made by Zafar Mahmood, Secretary Ministry of commerce during his visit to All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) in Karachi on Friday.

FAISALABAD (July 31, 2010): Powerloom workers have ended their strike after assurance by Divisional Commissioner, Tahir Hussain that their demand of 17 percent increase in wages has been notified by Punjab government and will be implemented by power-loom owners of Faisalabad in letter and spirit. The power loom workers had been agitating against the owners since July 20 and demanding increase in their salaries.

KARACHI (July 30, 2010): Activity was thin on the cotton market on Thursday as ginners raised asking price owing the tight supplies due to monsoon rains, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate for the second day in a row, was raised by Rs 100 to Rs 6200, they said. In the ready business, only 1600 bales of cotton changed hands between Rs 6000-6400, they said.

LAHORE (July 30, 2010): After a couple of months of uncertainty and volatility in the domestic cotton market, cotton prices have found a positive direction when the federal government removed the two month old Regulatory Duty on yarn exports on the 26th of this month. Consequently, cotton prices have made a handsome recovery of Rs 200 to Rs 400 per maund (37.32 Kgs) since the inception of this week.

FAISALABAD (July 29, 2010): Bt Cotton has lot of potential to resist various insects that is why farming community rapidly adopting it to enhance their productivity and to earn more money by quality cotton.

KARACHI (July 29, 2010): Picking operations halted by ongoing monsoon rains in the country, which cause increase in the rates on the cotton market on Wednesday, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was higher by Rs 100 to Rs 6100, they said.

FAISALABAD (July 29, 2010): The representatives of the powerloom owners on Wednesday have announced to shutdown their factories for indefinite period. They also demanded of the government to provide protection to their weaving units. Thousands of members of Powerloom Workers Union and Labour Qaumi Movement held protests in favour of their demands in Ghulam Muhammadabad Colony.

KARACHI (July 28, 2010): After the removal of Regulator Duty (RD) on the exports of cotton yarn, the cotton market may find a definite direction in the coming days, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was unchanged at Rs 6000, they said.

MULTAN (July 28, 2010): Value-Added Textile Forum leader Syed Muhammad Aasim Shah has rejected the decision of the cabinet committee on textiles to waive 15 percent regulatory on textile and withdrawal of quota restrictions describing it unjust and illogical. He said that Federal Government had left Ready-made Garments Manufacturers, Bedwear and Cloth manufacturers alone that earn ten-time more foreign exchange than raw material exporters.

LAHORE (July 28, 2010): Leading textile Industrialist, Mian Faraz Alam has criticised the government for allowing further increase of 64-paia in the electricity tariff and termed it anti-industry step. In a statement, Mian Faraz Alam said the increase in electricity tariff would further enhance the cost of doing business and now it would be very difficult for the businesses to afford electricity at such a high price.

KARACHI (July 28, 2010): Shahzad Ahmed, Chairman, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association has hailed the decision of removal of 15 percent Regulatory Duty on yarn export by the Cabinet Committee on Textile. In a statement issued to the press Chairman Aptma Shahzad Ahmed welcomed the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Textile that the free market mechanism has to be implemented in its true spirit to enable the whole chain of textile industry to stand on their feet in a competitive environment.

ISLAMABAD (July 27, 2010): The Cabinet Committee on Textile which met with Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafiz Sheikh in the chair on Monday abolished 15 percent regulatory duty on export of yarn and decided to carefully monitor domestic availability of the commodity. "Now there will be no government intervention and free market mechanism would prevail as far as export or import is concerned," a senior official of the Textile Ministry told Business Recorder.

LAHORE (July 27, 2010): Punjab agriculture department has advised cotton growers that selection of right pesticide, and its timely and correct application is very necessary for controlling pests as well as avoiding financial loss. In an advisory issued here on Monday, the department warned growers not to spray pesticides at noontime, use recommended pesticides and their quantity and check nozzle of sprayer before spray to ensure equal application of pesticides on crops.

KARACHI (July 27, 2010): Steady trend was seen on the cotton market on Monday as mills were active in forward buying, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was up by Rs 150 to Rs 6000, they said. In the ready business over 5,400 bales of cotton changed hands between Rs 5850-6200, they said.

LAHORE (July 27, 2010): Sanity prevailed finally on the part of government with Federal Cabinet Committee on Textile deciding no duty, no quota on exports of yarn and brining a big sigh of relief to the cotton growers, ginners, spinners and value-added exporters in general. It may be noted that the whole textile chain spent a spellbound Monday, waiting anxiously the outcome of Federal Cabinet Committee on Textile regarding the fate of 15 percent regulatory duty on exports of yarn to facilitate local ancillary industry.

KARACHI (July 27, 2010): The US continues to deny the preferential custom tariff to Pakistan despite being its major ally in the war against terrorism, said the Investment Advisor to the Chief Minister Sindh Zubair Motiwala. Speaking at the certificate distribution ceremony on Monday, jointly organised by the USAID and Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Prgmea), he urged the US authorities to end its discriminatory policy regarding Pakistan.

KARACHI (July 26, 2010): Growers are reporting bumper production with generally favourable conditions ruling buy scenario may change. Spot rate was down by Rs 150 to Rs 5850 at the end of the week on July 24.

KARACHI (July 26, 2010): The second round of monsoon rains, normal to heavy, lashed major cotton areas of Sindh and Punjab last week impacting positively the cotton crop development in most of cotton areas but simultaneously temporarily disrupting the arrival of seed-cotton in to ginneries/markets. Another plus point of these rains is the washing away of pest effect from cotton plants.

FAISALABAD (July 26, 2010): More than 0.1 million powerloom units remained closed on sixth consecutive day Sunday in more than 12 industrial areas including Sidhar, Thikreewala, Faizabad, Ghulam Muhammadabad and Qadirabad, here Friday. Workers observed complete strike and staged protest peacefully for increasing salaries according to the agreements and decisions of Punjab government.

ISLAMABAD (July 26, 2010): A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Textile has been convened on Monday (today) to resolve the dispute between the value-added textile and spinning sector over the lapse of 15 percent Regulatory Duty (RD) on export of yarn effective Monday (today), it is learnt. RD on yarn export was imposed for 60 days and is due to expire on July 26, 2010.

ISLAMABAD (July 26, 2010): Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has urged the government to extend the period of Regulatory Duty (RD) on export of cotton yarn so that local industry could get raw material at reasonable prices.

KARACHI (July 26, 2010): Growers are reporting bumper production with generally favourable conditions ruling buy scenario may change. Spot rate was down by Rs 150 to Rs 5850 at the end of the week on July 24.

KARACHI (July 26, 2010): The second round of monsoon rains, normal to heavy, lashed major cotton areas of Sindh and Punjab last week impacting positively the cotton crop development in most of cotton areas but simultaneously temporarily disrupting the arrival of seed-cotton in to ginneries/markets. Another plus point of these rains is the washing away of pest effect from cotton plants.

FAISALABAD (July 26, 2010): More than 0.1 million powerloom units remained closed on sixth consecutive day Sunday in more than 12 industrial areas including Sidhar, Thikreewala, Faizabad, Ghulam Muhammadabad and Qadirabad, here Friday. Workers observed complete strike and staged protest peacefully for increasing salaries according to the agreements and decisions of Punjab government.

ISLAMABAD (July 26, 2010): A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Textile has been convened on Monday (today) to resolve the dispute between the value-added textile and spinning sector over the lapse of 15 percent Regulatory Duty (RD) on export of yarn effective Monday (today), it is learnt. RD on yarn export was imposed for 60 days and is due to expire on July 26, 2010.

ISLAMABAD (July 26, 2010): Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has urged the government to extend the period of Regulatory Duty (RD) on export of cotton yarn so that local industry could get raw material at reasonable prices.

KARACHI (July 25, 2010): Firmness prevailed on the local cotton market on Saturday as the ginners were not ready to sell below their psychological level as rains in the Punjab continued and may cause stoppage in phutti arrival, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate maintained overnight rate at Rs 5,850, they said.

ISLAMABAD (July 25, 2010): All Pakistan Textile Manufacturers Association (Aptma) is lobbying to allow 15 percent regulatory duty on export of cotton yarn to lapse on Monday (July 26) as any extension will distort the market.

KARACHI (July 25, 2010): All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) has hailed the statement of the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari that he believes in Free Trade Policy and all sectors of textile chain should be provided level playing field.

ISLAMABAD (July 25, 2010): Textile industry is backbone of Pakistan's economy and it is playing vital role in the national exchequer and it contributes 60 per cent share in the total exports, said Kashif Shabbir, President, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Saturday.

ISLAMABAD (July 25, 2010): The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has recommended that tariff structure for the Polyester Staple Fibre (PSF) industry may be reviewed by the ministry of textile and the ministry of commerce and the structure may be set in accordance with cascading principal.

MULTAN (July 24, 2010): Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) has rejected the allegations of Value Added Textile Forum (VATF) and said that it is impossible to stock cotton and phutti for a long time. It just cannot be done, they said adding that cotton is the crop, which destroys easily and it cannot be stored for a long tim

KARACHI (July 24, 2010): Modest trading was seen on the cotton market on Friday as ginners showed some hesitance in selling below their psychological levels, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was slashed by Rs 150 to at Rs 5,850, they said. In the ready business some 5,800 bales of cotton changed hands between Rs 5600-6090, they said.

KARACHI (July 24, 2010): In a move to remove hurdles in the process of exports, Member Customs Munir Qureshi on Friday urged the value-added textile exporters to identify problems which hamper their workings. Speaking at a meeting with the members of Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Prgmea) he said the exporters should hold meetings with the concerned officials of Customs to find an immediate and permanent solution of their problems.

LAHORE (July 24, 2010): Worries of spinning industry are piling up fast with rising uncertainty over the fate of 15 percent regulatory duty on exports of yarn, particularly due to alleged hostile attitude of Ministry of Textile (MinTex) toward spinning industry.

KARACHI (July 24, 2010): President All Pakistan Power Looms Association (APPLA) Sindh Zone Mohammad Ashfaq has urged the government to take appropriate measures in helping the sector to reduce its expenditure in manufacturing fabrics in the country, which would consequently minimise the chances of fabrics smuggling from Afghanistan to Pakistan.

FAISALABAD (July 24, 2010): The strike of Powerlooms Workers remained continued on fourth consecutive day in five industrial areas including Sidhar, Faizabad and Qadirabad, here on Friday, while the negotiations of Powerlooms Owners with local Labour Leaders have failed.The labour leaders of Powerlooms Workers Union and Labour Qaumi Movement have announced that the strike would be continued till acceptance of the demands.

KARACHI (July 23, 2010): Prices fell marginally on the cotton market on Thursday as picking operations accelerated despite rains in the cotton growing areas, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate was unchanged at Rs 6,000, they said. In the ready business, over 3500 bales of cotton changed hands between Rs 5700-6150, they said.

MULTAN (July 23, 2010): Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal Thursday categorically denied reports that 80 percent cotton crop was affected by leaf curl virus and pest attacks, saying Pakistan would produce 14 million bales of cotton this season, which were sufficient to meet requirements of the textile industry.

LAHORE (July 23, 2010): With early and increasing arrivals of new crop cotton (2010-2011), fiber prices continue to face more pressure. Wholesome monsoon showers over the past week or ten days, particularly in Punjab, are being deemed positive for the growth and development of the new crop. Thus lint prices kept declining this week.

KARACHI (July 23, 2010): All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) sources have expressed shock and joy at the accusation from the Value Added Textile Forum (VATF) published in a section of press dated 21 July 2010 whereby VATF has accused the spinners of being able to manipulate cotton prices and urged the government to forbid the spinners to keep more than 2 months of cotton requirements in their mills.

KARACHI (July 21, 2010): Mills' demand persisted on the cotton market on Tuesday following the uncertainties about the decision over the exports of cotton yarn, dealers said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) official spot rate recovered it's overnight losses, raised by Rs 200 to Rs 6,000, they said.

ISLAMABAD (July 21, 2010): The US delegation, during its recent visit, has conveyed to the government of Pakistan that legislation to abolish tariff on textiles is underway, which would enable Pakistan's textile sector to export its products to the US market without paying duties, Business Recorder has learnt.

ISLAMABAD (July 21, 2010): Value Added Textile Forum (VATF) has written a letter to President Asif Ali Zardari accusing some spinners of manipulating cotton prices by hoarding stocks of cotton and operating as traders in raw cotton. The letter urged the government to ensure that spinners do not trade in cotton.

ISLAMABAD (July 21, 2010): Senate Standing Committee on Textile Industry has recommended extension of 15 percent Regulatory Duty (RD) on yarn export up to August 26, 2010 and directed the Textile Ministry to prepare annual cotton yarn policy setting an export target for Aptma. The Committee, which met on Tuesday at the Parliament House, urged for formulation of a strategy to regulate the export of yarn in the upcoming season.

NEW YORK (August 25, 2010): Cotton futures ended on Tuesday at a 4-month top as trade/mill and fund buying swiftly erased losses from a commodity-wide selling spree triggered by fears of a weak global economic recovery, analysts said. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract rose 1.13 cents to finish at 85.22 cents per lb, trading from 82.46 to 85.36 cents.

NEW YORK (August 25, 2010): Monday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

SHIHEZI (August 22, 2010): China's top cotton growing area of Xinjiang in the north-west will likely have a bumper crop this year even though the harvest could be delayed by two weeks, industry officials said. "Weather should not be a problem and we expect Xinjiang's cotton output to grow slightly to 3.2 million tonnes," said Dong Shuzhi, assistant to the president of Jinshi Futures Co Ltd, who is assessing crops in the region.

BEIJING (August 22, 2010): China's cotton imports in July rose 29 percent from a year earlier to 169,000 tonnes, the China Cotton Association said, citing customs data. In the first seven months, cotton imports surged 98 percent from year-ago levels to 1.71 million tonnes, the association said.

NEW YORK (August 21, 2010): Cotton futures settled easier Friday as investors took profits in thin trade, mulling whether the summer rally will continue as harvest pressure looms, analysts said. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract eased 0.59 cent to finish at 83.55 cents per lb, trading from 83.30 to 84.25 cents. Thursday's range was only slightly different - 83.42 to 84.39 cents.

NEW YORK (August 20, 2010): Cotton futures settled higher Thursday on investment fund buying as strong export sales spurred fibre contracts, although analysts said the market may see some profit-taking before the weekend. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract rose 0.87 cent to finish at 84.14 cents per lb, just shy of the 3-1/2 month top at 84.18 cents hit last Friday.

NEW YORK (August 20, 2010): Thursday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (August 19, 2010): Cotton futures settled lower on Wednesday on modest investor sales as the market consolidated for the third day running after ending last week at a 3-1/2 month top, brokers said. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract shed 0.59 cent to finish at 83.27 cents per lb.

NEW YORK (August 19, 2010): Tuesday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (August 18, 2010): Cotton futures closed lower on Tuesday as fibre contracts dawdled while waiting for fresh leads and analysts are mulling the next move of a market that recently hit a 3-1/2 month high. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract lost 0.16 cent to finish at 83.86 cents per lb. The contract traded from 83.76 to 84.39 cents.

NEW YORK (August 18, 2010): Monday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (August 17, 2010): Cotton futures closed slightly easier on Monday on mild profit-taking after surging to a 3-1/2 month high last week, but analysts feel the market's rally is not done and a further advance is in the cards. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract slipped 0.16 cent to finish at 84.02 cents per lb.

NEW YORK (August 15, 2010): Texas, the biggest cotton state in the US, is expected to produce a bumper crop because few farms have been hit by poor weather, cotton extension service agronomists said. Gaylon Morgan, AgriLife Extension state cotton specialist, was quoted in a report on Tuesday by Texas AgriLife news as saying the main factor for the large cotton crop in the coming 2010/11 season was the low rate of crop failures.

WASHINGTON (August 15, 2010): USDA cotton export sales highlights for latest reporting week: Net sales for the 2010/11 marketing year, which began August 1, totalled 341,800 RB. Increases were reported for Bangladesh (108,800 RB), Pakistan (59,900 RB), Turkey (38,300 RB) and Thailand (29,100 RB)Decreases were reported for El Salvador (2,500 RB).

NEW YORK (August 14, 2010): Cotton futures finished near a fresh 3-1/2 month peak on Friday on follow-through investor buying after yesterday's bullish government crop report as the trade pondered if the rally will last or peter out, brokers said. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract increased 0.63 cent to close at 84.18 cents per lb.

NEW YORK (August 14, 2010): Thursday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (August 13, 2010): Cotton futures finished near a 3-1/2 month high on Thursday on broad-based buying sparked by a bullish report from the US Agriculture Department, brokers said. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract rose 2.65 cents to close at 83.55 cents per lb. It was the highest close for the second position cotton contract since April 30, according to Thomson Reuters data.

NEW YORK (August 13, 2010): Wednesday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (August 12, 2010): Cotton futures settled with slight losses Wednesday on investor profit-taking in thin trade as players braced for release of a key government crop report tomorrow, brokers said. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract eased 0.23 cent to finish at 80.0 cents per lb.

NEW YORK (August 12, 2010): Tuesday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (August 11, 2010): Cotton futures finished on Tuesday at a three-month high on renewed investor buying and the market's advance has given no sign of slowing down at this time, brokers said. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract rose 0.74 cent to finish at 81.13 cents per lb. It was the highest settlement close for the second position cotton contract since May 5, according to Thomson Reuters data.

NEW YORK (August 11, 2010): Monday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (August 10, 2010): Cotton futures settled marginally firmer Monday as players tweaked positions ahead of the release of a key government crop report on Thursday, brokers said. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract added 0.16 cent to finish at 80.39 cents per lb. It was the highest settlement close for the second position cotton contract since May 5, according to Thomson Reuters data.

NEW YORK (August 07, 2010): Cotton futures settled on Friday at a fresh 3-month top on investor buying tied in part to a tight deliverable supply situation as fibre contracts bucked all-around weakness in outside markets, brokers said. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract added 0.17 cent to finish at 80.23 cents per lb.

NEW YORK (August 07, 2010): Thursday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (August 06, 2010): Cotton futures finished Thursday at a 3-month peak on technically motivated investor buying, but analysts feel end-of-the-week profit-taking could temporarily blunt the advance on Friday. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract increased 0.59 cent to end at 80.06 cents per lb. It was the highest settlement close for the second position cotton contract since May 5, according to Thomson Reuters data.

NEW YORK (August 06, 2010): Wednesday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (August 05, 2010): Cotton futures finished lower on Wednesday on trader and producer sales as investors mull whether prices could rally further or technical factors may undermine the market in the days ahead, dealers said. ICE Futures US benchmark December cotton contract slipped 0.33 cent to end at 79.47 cents per lb.

NEW YORK (August 05, 2010): Tuesday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (August 04, 2010): Cotton futures closed at a five-week high on Tuesday, as ongoing concerns about a tightening supply base kept bullish momentum on track to challenge the 80-cent level, dealers said. "In the grand scheme of things, cotton stocks are tight ... that's a fact. There are some burgeoning crops coming along in Texas, and that's a fact, but it's still uncertain," said Keith Brown of Keith Brown and Co in Moultrie, Georgia.

NEW YORK (July 31, 2010): Cotton futures finished at a month high Friday on technically inspired buying and the momentum from the advance may spill over into trading next week, brokers said. The December cotton contract climbed 1.85 cents, or by 2.40 percent, to close at 78.76 cents per lb, dealing from 76.68 to 78.94 cents.

NEW YORK (July 31, 2010): Thursday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (July 30, 2010): Cotton futures ended higher Thursday on modest investor buying on a weaker dollar as the market again kept an eye on tight deliverable supplies in the spot October contract, brokers said. The December cotton contract rose 0.60 cent to close at 76.91 cents per lb, dealing from 76.25 to 77.44 cents.

NEW YORK (July 30, 2010): Wednesday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

DHAKA (July 30, 2010): Bangladesh has raised minimum monthly wages for its millions of garment workers by about 80 percent after months of violent protests over poor pay and conditions, a government minister said. The official minimum wage has been set at 3,000 takas ($45) a month, up from 1662 takas ($25) in the first raise since 2006, Labour Minister Khandaker Mosharaff Hossain said.

NEW YORK (July 29, 2010): Cotton futures finished easier on Wednesday on profit-taking after climbing previously to a three-week top with the market still facing the prospect of tight deliverable supplies, brokers said. The December cotton contract shed 0.39 cent to close at 76.31 cents per lb, dealing from 76.11 to 77.29 cents.

NEW YORK (July 29, 2010): Tuesday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (July 28, 2010): Cotton futures ended near a three-week top Tuesday as nearby contracts were buoyed by tight deliverable supplies while back months declined as a result of weak outside markets, brokers said. The December cotton contract gained 0.21 cent to end at 76.70 cents per lb, moving from 76 to 76.94 cents. It was the loftiest close for the second position contract since July 8, according to Thomson Reuters data.

AMSTERDAM (July 28, 2010): Large cottonseed crops in the United States and Australia are set to increase world supply by about 13 percent in 2010/11 and boost trade and processing of the oilseed, analysts Oil World said on Tuesday. Oil World said it had raised its 2010/2011 estimate of global cottonseed production to a 3-year high of 44.2 million tonnes, up 5.1 million tonnes from 2009/10.

NEW YORK (July 28, 2010): Monday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (July 27, 2010): Cotton futures closed at a fresh two-week top Monday on follow-through buying as the market successfully raced past key technical barriers and the momentum may push values higher this week, brokers said. The December cotton contract increased 1.15 cents or by 1.52 percent to end at 76.49 cents per lb, moving from 75.34 to 76.53 cents. It was the loftiest close for the second-position contract since July 8.

NEW YORK (July 24, 2010): Cotton futures finished on Friday at a 2-week high on follow-through buying as scant deliverable cotton supplies boosted nearby contracts and the advance may spill over into next week, brokers said. The December cotton contract increased 0.63 cent to end at 75.34 cents per lb, moving from 74.51 to 75.54 cents.

NEW YORK (July 24, 2010): Thursday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (July 23, 2010): Cotton futures ended higher Thursday on investor buying as tight deliverable supplies gave nearby months a boost although players were still fretting over the fragile state of global economic recovery, brokers said. The December cotton contract increased 0.78 cent to end at 74.71 cents per lb, moving from 73.58 to 74.74 cents. The spot October cotton contract gained 0.80 cent to finish at 79.57 cents.

NEW YORK (July 23, 2010): Wednesday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (July 22, 2010): Cotton prices bounced Wednesday as spillover from outside markets added to buying based on technical chart cues. Nearby cotton for October delivery settled 0.92 cent, or 1 percent, higher at 73.93 cents a pound on ICE Futures US.

NEW YORK (July 22, 2010): Tuesday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

NEW YORK (July 21, 2010): Cotton futures finished Tuesday at a 5-1/2 month low on investor sales as a large US crop and uncertainty over the state of global economic recovery kept fibre contracts on the defensive, brokers said. The December cotton contract fell 0.61 cent to settle at 73.01 cents per lb, after dealing between 72.96 and 74.29 cents.

NEW YORK (July 21, 2010): Monday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.