Pakistan, US discuss boosting cotton trade, textile cooperation

LAHORE: US Consul General in Lahore Kristin K Hawkins met with office bearers of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and the US.

The discussions focused on the significant potential for collaboration in the cotton and textile sectors, while also exploring opportunities to expand trade and investment in other key areas. Both sides emphasised the importance of reducing the trade deficit and diversifying major traded commodities in light of the US reciprocal tariffs.

Participants agreed that Pakistan holds strong potential for growth not only in textiles but also across various industrial sectors. APTMA leadership reiterated its commitment to continued engagement and dialogue with American counterparts to increase trade volumes and maximise the benefits of the economic partnership.

Speaking on the occasion, APTMA Chairperson Kamran Arshad highlighted that the US is the primary supplier of cotton to Pakistan. He noted that Pakistan is the world’s largest importer of US cotton, and these imports are crucial in compensating for domestic shortfalls in cotton production.

Chairman North Zone Asad Shafi added that the US remained Pakistan’s largest trading partner in 2024, with total bilateral trade reaching $9.85 billion. He added that the country’s exports to the US stood at $5.12 billion, of which $3.93 billion -- or 77 per cent -- comprised textile and apparel products. In contrast, Pakistan imported goods worth $2.14 billion from the US during the same period, including more than $700 million in cotton imports.

Shafi stressed the need for technology transfer to Pakistan, particularly for high-yield cotton seeds, and called for increased collaboration with US cotton research institutions to improve cotton quality and productivity.