Moaaz Manzoor

Pakistan’s textile exports maintained steady momentum during the first quarter (July-September) of the fiscal year 2025-26, supported by gains in key value-added categories. The trend reflects a gradual improvement in external demand and better export performance compared to the same quarter of the last fiscal. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce for 1QFY26, textile group exports increased to $4.7 billion from $4.5 billion in 1QFY25, posting a growth of 5.63%.

The textile sector’s share in overall exports also rose from 57.18% in 1QFY25 to 62.83% in 1QFY26, highlighting its continued dominance in Pakistan’s export mix. Within the segment, several value-added categories posted notable gains. Exports of knitwear climbed 12.21%, reaching $1.4 billion compared to $1.2 billion a year earlier, reflecting sustained global demand for Pakistan’s apparel products.

Similarly, bedwear exports rose 7.28% to $852.87 million against $794.97 million previously, while towels inched up 1.44% to $265.07 million from $261.32 million, indicating stable orders in the home textile segment. The tents, canvas and tarpaulin category posted the strongest performance, surging 37.93% to $39.72 million from $28.80 million in 1QFY25, showing renewed export activity in specialised fabric and technical textile products. Exports of ready-made garments grew 6.07%, reaching $1.05 billion from $996 million in 1QFY25, reflecting improved shipments of fashion and finished garments.

Meanwhile, art silk and synthetic textiles recorded a marginal increase of 1.62%, amounting to $98.04 million against $96.48 million previously. In raw and semi-processed categories, performance remained mixed. Exports of cotton yarn dropped 8.97% to $2.5 billion from $2.7 billion, while cotton cloth declined 4.96% to $5.1 billion compared to $5.4 billion last year. The subdued demand in basic textile materials was largely offset by the continued rise in value-added segments, which now make up a larger share of Pakistan’s textile export earnings.

Industry analysts said that the overall 5.63% growth in textile exports reflects resilience in the sector despite challenging global market conditions and soft cotton prices. “The improvement in knitwear, bedwear and garments is a positive signal for Pakistan’s export diversification and competitiveness in value-added categories,” said a market observer. The export of made-up articles (including other textile items) also showed an increase to $206 million, reflecting a modest but encouraging recovery in ancillary textile segments.

Meanwhile, other textile materials posted an uptick of 1.58% to $190 million. The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has called on the government to adopt regionally competitive energy tariffs, rationalised taxation, and a legally backed five-year industrial and export policy to ensure long-term stability and sustain the sector’s export momentum.

Credit: INP-WealthPk