By Ijaz Kakakhel

Pakistan’s textile exports to regional markets, particularly China and Bangladesh, showed mixed trends during July–March FY26, as per the Pakistan Textile Council’s monthly export analysis report available with Wealth Pakistan. Exports to Bangladesh were recorded at $485 million during the period under review, reflecting a decline compared to previous years.

Bangladesh remained an important market primarily for raw textile materials, including cotton yarn and fabric. The data shows that exports to Bangladesh have been on a declining trajectory in recent years, falling from $619 million in 2021–22 and decreasing steadily thereafter. Within this market, denim and cotton-based products continued to dominate export composition, with cotton woven fabrics and yarn forming the bulk of exports.

In contrast, exports to China were recorded at $470 million during July–March FY26, reflecting a mixed trend over recent years. The data shows that exports to China peaked at $674 million in 2023–24 before declining in subsequent periods. China’s import profile from Pakistan remained concentrated in raw materials, particularly cotton yarn, which showed notable growth within the export mix.

Other categories, including garments and finished textile products, contributed relatively smaller shares to exports to China. The data indicates that while both China and Bangladesh remain important regional markets, their import patterns differ significantly from those of Western markets, with a stronger focus on raw materials rather than value-added products. The report highlights that regional export trends continue to fluctuate, reflecting changes in demand patterns and trade dynamics within neighboring markets.

Credit: INP-WealthPk