Pakistan under pressure on cotton exports

PAKISTAN is under pressure from those involved in growing cotton to lift restrictions on cotton exports.

The current quota allows exports of only 200,000 375lb (170kg) bales between now and January. But farmers would like a more liberal export policy so that prices of raw cotton rise in the domestic market.

The countrys powerful textile industry would be against a relaxation in controls. They are concerned that the price of raw cotton would rise.

The harvest is still extremely sensitive to the weather, which can embarrass forecasts of production. production is forecast to be 10.8 million bales this year, a 19% increase on last years 9.1m bales.

• Steamy nights hit Pakistan cotton crop, FWi, 10 September, 1998
• Financial Times 15/09/98 page 5