Moaaz Manzoor

Pakistan’s export performance in October showed a mild year-on-year decline, although several key sectors, particularly textile and engineering-related industries, registered growth over the four-month period from July to October, according to the Monthly Trade Report for October 2025 released by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

The report states that goods exports in October were recorded at 2,849 million dollars, compared with 2,982 million dollars in October of the previous fiscal year, representing a decline of 4.46 percent. Sector-wise data for October shows that textile and leather exports amounted to 1,707 million dollars, slightly below 1,719 million dollars recorded during the same month last year, showing a decline of 1 percent.

Exports of engineering, manufacturing and other products totaled 658 million dollars in October 2025-26, up from 474 million dollars in October 2024-25, reflecting an increase of 39 percent. Meanwhile, agro and food sector exports declined sharply to 483 million dollars from 785 million dollars last year, recording a fall of 38 percent in October.

For the July–October period, Pakistan’s goods exports stood at 10,448 million dollars, compared with 10,888 million dollars in the same period of the previous fiscal year, showing an overall decline of 4.04 percent. However, sector-wise performance during the four-month period displayed mixed trends. Textile and leather exports increased to 6,753 million dollars, up from 6,506 million dollars last year, marking a rise of 4 percent.

Engineering, manufacturing and other sectors also showed growth, with exports totaling 1,982 million dollars compared with 1,829 million dollars a year earlier, indicating an increase of 8 percent. In contrast, agro and food exports experienced a significant contraction during the four-month period. Exports under this category amounted to 1,732 million dollars in July–October 2025-26, down from 2,508 million dollars recorded in the same period last year, reflecting a decline of 31 percent.

The report also provides details of Pakistan’s top export markets for October. The United States remained the largest export destination with shipments worth 517 million dollars, slightly lower than 523 million dollars last year. The United Arab Emirates recorded a substantial rise as an export market with exports increasing to 285 million dollars compared with 154 million dollars last year, showing an 85 percent increase.

China, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, and several European markets displayed mixed trends, with some showing marginal declines and others demonstrating modest increases. Export commodities for October also showed varying performances. Exports of bed linen, table linen and related products amounted to 399 million dollars, up 3 percent from 388 million dollars last year.

Exports of men’s and boys’ garments under HS code 6203 were reported at 271 million dollars, compared with 289 million dollars last year, showing a decline of 6 percent. Rice exports fell significantly to 163 million dollars from 367 million dollars last year, reflecting a decline of 56 percent. For the July–October period, exports of textile products such as bed linen, knitwear, hosiery, cotton yarn and woven fabrics showed mixed growth patterns.

Bed linen, which remained the top export commodity, amounted to 1,580 million dollars during the period, up from 1,501 million dollars last year. Exports of petroleum oils and related products also increased notably during the same period. Overall, the export landscape during October and July–October exhibited a combination of declines in key food categories and improvements in certain textile and engineering segments, with sectoral variations shaping the overall trajectory.

Credit: INP-WealthPk