Moaaz Manzoor

Pakistan’s export performance in the July-August period of the ongoing financial year 2025-26 highlighted resilience, with overall shipments rising marginally by 0.64% to $5.10 billion, despite a significant decline in food exports, which was cushioned by strong growth from the textile sector.

The latest data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that total exports stood at $5,069.34 million in the July–August 2024-25 period and edged up slightly to $5,101.80 million in July–August 2025-26. The textile group led the recovery, climbing 9.88% from $2,915.11 million to $3,203.17 million, raising its share of total exports from 57.50% to 62.79%.

Within textiles, knitwear performed strongly, with exports of 46,001 dozen valued at $958.96 million, compared with 40,177 dozen worth $820.59 million a year earlier, posting 16.86% growth in value. Bedwear shipments rose 12.03% to $565.47 million, while readymade garments increased 10.61% to $728.31 million, despite a slight decline in quantity.

By contrast, the food group saw its exports shrink 23.46%, dropping from $1,011.93 million to $774.56 million, with its share falling to 15.18%. Rice exports, traditionally a backbone of food shipments, fell sharply in value by 32.34% to $314.39 million, driven by both lower volumes and weaker unit prices. Basmati rice declined by over 44% in value, while other rice varieties slipped 23.88%.

Still, a few bright spots emerged in food. Fish and fish preparations gained 32.05% to $46.36 million, while fruits jumped nearly 27% to $89.51 million. Meat and meat preparations added modest growth of 2.21%, reaching $76.90 million.

Other categories showed mixed trends. The petroleum group and coal contracted 23.87% to $68.55 million, while other manufacturers inched up 0.27% to $690.99 million. Engineering goods declined slightly by 3.21% to $72.39 million, though cement exports nearly doubled to $72.72 million, reflecting renewed demand in regional markets.

Analysts note that while food exports remain vulnerable to price and demand swings, the textile sector’s consistent growth underscores its role as Pakistan’s anchor in trade performance. Industry watchers believe that sustaining textile competitiveness could continue to offset volatility in other sectors.

Credit: INP-WealthPk