By Ayesha Saba

Basmati rice and cotton yarn emerged as two of Pakistan’s strongest export performers in August 2026, with their rupee values jumping 67.02% and 46.42% year-on-year, respectively, as several major export categories recorded gains over the same month last year.

According to trade data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and available with Wealth Pakistan, Basmati rice exports were valued at Rs24.341 billion in August and increased 14.43% from July as well as 67.02% from August 2025.

Cotton yarn exports reached Rs26.140 billion, rising 41.33% month-on-month and 46.42% year-on-year. Meat and meat preparations also recorded a strong annual increase of 27.22%, with August exports valued at Rs13.087 billion, up 0.18% from July.

The gains came as Pakistan’s overall exports totalled $2.542 billion in August 2026, 5.22% higher than $2.416 billion in August 2025, although they were 13.86% lower than the $2.951 billion recorded in July. In rupee terms, exports stood at Rs705.892 billion, up 3.32% year-on-year but down 13.97% month-on-month.

Knitwear remained the largest export commodity at Rs130.691 billion. Its exports were 3.72% higher than in August 2025 despite declining 11.94% from July. Readymade garments followed at Rs101.903 billion, posting a 9.85% year-on-year increase while falling 20.32% month-on-month.

Bedwear exports were valued at Rs70.816 billion and declined 6.94% year-on-year and 17.43% from July. Cotton cloth, at Rs37.390 billion, fell 16.01% from a year earlier and 5.01% month-on-month.

Other rice exports stood at Rs28.953 billion, up 7.98% year-on-year despite a 15.72% monthly decline. Towels, valued at Rs23.537 billion, were down 2.34% year-on-year and 20.41% from July, while made-up articles excluding towels and bedwear reached Rs19.110 billion, rising 1.32% annually despite a 10.98% monthly fall.

The broader two-month export trend remained positive. Exports during July-August 2026 totalled $5.494 billion, an increase of 7.73% from $5.100 billion in the corresponding period last year. In rupee terms, exports rose 5.58% to Rs1.526 trillion from Rs1.446 trillion.

The data showed the same contrast in rupee and dollar terms: exports remained above their year-earlier level despite a sizeable fall from July. Several major commodities also displayed the same pattern, with annual gains accompanying month-on-month declines.

The August commodity figures therefore presented a mixed but notable export picture: Basmati rice, cotton yarn and meat preparations posted particularly strong annual gains, while readymade garments, knitwear, other rice and made-up articles also remained above their August 2025 levels.

Credit: INP-WealthPk