By Farooq Awan

Pakistan’s textile and apparel exports to the European Union (EU-27) totaled $4.351 billion during July–January FY26, maintaining the union’s position as the country’s largest export destination for textile products, according to the Monthly Report of Pakistan’s Textile & Apparel Exports prepared by the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC)

Exports to the EU stood at $4,359 million in July–January FY25. The slight decline to $4,351 million in FY26 reflects a marginal year-on-year dip of just $8 million, indicating relative stability in Pakistan’s access to the European market despite fluctuations in global demand.

A five-year trend analysis shows variations in export performance over time. Textile and apparel exports to the EU were recorded at $3,842 million in 2021–22 and rose to $3,983 million in 2022–23. They declined to $3,689 million in 2023–24 before rebounding strongly to $4,359 million in 2024–25. The FY26 level of $4,351 million remains near last year’s peak, highlighting sustained export strength in the region.

The EU continues to account for the largest share of Pakistan’s textile and apparel exports during the July–January FY26 period. At the product level, performance trends varied across major categories.

Exports of HS 62032200 (men’s/boys’ cotton ensembles, not knitted) declined 16.49% from $607 million in July–January FY25 to $507 million in FY26.

Conversely, HS 62034200 (men’s/boys’ cotton trousers and bib overalls, not knitted) increased 10.40% from $218 million to $241 million.

Among home textile products, HS 63023110 (cotton bed sheets, mill-made) posted notable growth, rising from $155 million to $175 million, up 13.28%. However, HS 63023130 (cotton bed covers) declined 3.02% to $173 million, while HS 63023190 (other cotton bed linen) fell 3.14% to $156 million.

Cotton towels (HS 63026010) slipped slightly by 2.12%, from $242 million to $237 million.

In apparel categories, HS 61109000 (jerseys and similar articles of other textile materials) decreased 9.95% to $161 million. Meanwhile, HS 61034900 (men’s/boys’ trousers of textile materials) remained broadly stable at $137 million.

Other items such as HS 63021010 (knitted bed sheets) and HS 61159500 (other cotton hosiery) recorded modest declines of 2.29% and 4.23%, respectively.

The figures, based on data compiled from Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), indicate that while overall export volumes to the EU remained steady, shifts in product-level demand were evident during the period.

With exports exceeding $4.3 billion in July–January FY26, the European Union continues to serve as the anchor market for Pakistan’s textile and apparel sector.

Credit: INP-WealthPk