The Pakistani government has committed to abolishing the fumigation requirement for Brazilian shipments upon arrival. The measure was taken during a Brazilian mission to the country. 

In early March, the Pakistani government committed to suspending the requirement for fumigation of Brazilian cotton upon arrival at local ports. This measure is a major step forward for trade between the two countries and was announced during the Pakistan Mission, run by the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (Abrapa) between February 23rd and 28th. 

Some countries still carry out fumigation as a health control measure. Currently, it is required both when Brazilian shipments depart and when the cotton arrives at Pakistani ports. But a technical study carried out in partnership between Abrapa and the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) showed that the procedure is no longer necessary.  

This study was presented to the Pakistani government during the Brazilian mission and it is likely that trade between the two countries will increase even more with the exemption of this requirement both before departure and upon arrival. 

Currently, Brazilian cotton accounts for 24% of Pakistani imports with the potential for growth. While Brazil remains the world’s largest exporter of cotton, Pakistan is the third largest consumer and the fourth largest cotton importer in the world. 

In the first seven months of the 2024/25 season (August 2024 to February 2025), Brazil shipped 327,866 tonnes to Pakistan, a 99% higher volume than in 2023/24. As a result, Pakistan remains the third largest buyer of Brazilian cotton. 

The Pakistan Mission had a diverse program, spread between the cities of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. In addition to institutional meetings and technical visits, Abrapa held two editions of the “Cotton Brazil Outlook” seminar in the country. 

In Karachi, the seminar was attended by the president of APTMA – South, Naveed Ahmed, and, in Lahore, Asad Shafi, president of APTMA – North represented the organization. The association has been an important partner for Abrapa in order to organize the Brazilian mission’s schedule. 

Pakistan is one of the priority nations for Cotton Brazil, the international promotion program for Brazilian cotton run by Abrapa. This is a joint enterprise in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex Brasil) and the National Cotton Shippers Association (Anea).