Moaaz Manzoor

Pakistan’s textile and leather exports recorded mixed performance during FY 2025-26, declining on a year-on-year basis in November FY26 while posting cumulative growth during July-November FY26, according to the Monthly Trade Report for November 2025 released by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

TDAP’s sector-wise export data show that textile and leather exports in November FY26 stood at $1.51 billion, compared with $1.55 billion in November FY25, reflecting a 3% year-on-year decline. The November contraction occurred amid a broader decline in Pakistan’s overall goods exports.

Despite the weaker monthly performance, the sector’s cumulative export performance remained positive. Textile and leather exports during July-November FY26 were recorded at $8.26 billion, up from $8.05 billion in the corresponding period of FY25, showing a 3% increase over the five months.

The divergence between monthly and cumulative performance highlights uneven export momentum within the fiscal year. While textile and leather exports remained higher on a cumulative basis, the November decline partially offset earlier gains in FY26.

Textile and leather products continued to form the largest share of Pakistan’s merchandise exports. In November FY26, the sector accounted for over 60% of total goods exports, totalling $2.398 billion, underscoring its central role in Pakistan’s export earnings.

The November decline in textile and leather exports coincided with an overall contraction in Pakistan’s goods exports, which fell 15.35% year-on-year to $2.398 billion in November FY26, compared with $2.83 billion in November FY25.

TDAP’s summary tables present textile and leather exports as a combined category and do not provide sub-sectoral details for items such as yarn, fabric, garments, knitwear, or home textiles. The report focuses on value-based comparisons across monthly and cumulative periods.

Credit: INP-WealthPk