ISLAMABAD: The textile and apparel industry in Pakistan recorded a slight expansion of 9.31% in exports for the first eight months of the ongoing fiscal year, based on the latest statistics released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The overall textile exports amounted to $12.18 billion, which is higher than the $11.14 billion exported during the same period last year.
Right from the beginning of FY25, textile exports were in an upward trend with tremendous growth during many months: 13% in August, 17.92% in September, 13.11% in October, 10.81% in November, 5.55% in December, and 15.85% in January. The exports increased only slightly by a meager 0.44% in February at $1.41 billion as compared to $1.40 billion in February 2024.
Despite the overall growth, textile exports have been beset with problems. Over the last two years, the industry has been quite static even when it had an installed capacity of $25 billion. Industry operators blame this on structural issues, and they are demanding the release of outstanding refunds and rebates at once.
On individual products, exports of ready-made garments went up by 19.94% in value and 8.80% in quantity. Knitwear exports recorded a rise of 17.08% in value and 8.67% in quantity. Bedwear exports witnessed growth of 13.11% in value and 12.04% in quantity.
Towel exports increased by 5.59% in value and 5.88% in quantity, while cotton cloth exports rose by 1.48% in value but fell by 3.86%. Yarn exports fell by 35.63% in the same period.
Other textile products like made-up articles (except towels) registered a 9.73% growth, while tents, canvas, and tarpaulin exports increased by 18.56%. Exports of raw cotton, however, declined drastically by 98.44%.
On the import side, synthetic fiber imports went up by 4.92%, and synthetic silk yarn imports were up by 14.88%. Other textile goods’ imports increased by 75.48%, and raw cotton imports increased by 228%. Moreover, second-hand clothes imports were up by 24.85%.
Overall, Pakistan’s total exports increased by 8.42% to $22.07 billion between July and February, compared to $20.35 billion in the corresponding months last year.
Though textile exports recorded some improvement, the industry continues to grapple with issues that must be resolved for long-term healthy growth.
