The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has expressed concern over the rise in price of raw cotton, which has touched Rs 3,500 per 40 kg in the local market. In a statement issued here Wednesday, Jamshaid Hanif, chairman, PRGMEA north zone, said the continuous rise has given a free hand to the spinners and fabric producers to charge high rates. He said the SMEs, in particular who export cotton shirts, skirts, trousers, shorts and children dresses and use textile quota category 06, consume denim cloth in a massive quantity and are the most affected by this price hike, as the denim producers have increased the price by R s16 per meter.

Mr Hanif added that the production of value added textile products will come to a complete stop and all forecasts of increase in exports during the current calendar year will fall flat if the current situation continues.