By Moaaz Manzoor

Pakistan’s apparel and made-up textile exports (Chapters 61–63) climbed to $9.147 billion during July–January FY26, marking the highest level recorded for the corresponding period over the past five years, according to the Monthly Report of Pakistan’s Textile & Apparel Exports prepared by the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC).

Exports in this category stood at $8.862 billion in July–January FY25. The rise to $9.147 billion in FY26 reflects a 3.2% year-on-year increase, underscoring the resilience of value-added textile segments despite broader volatility in overall exports.

The report’s five-year trend analysis highlights a period of contraction followed by steady recovery. During July–January 2021–22, exports were recorded at $8,514 million. They declined to $8,042 million in 2022–23 and fell further to $7,585 million in 2023–24, representing the lowest point in the five-year series.

However, the sector rebounded strongly thereafter. Exports rose to $8,862 million in 2024–25 and further increased to $9,147 million in 2025–26, surpassing all previous levels recorded in the period under review.

Monthly data for January 2026 also reflects positive momentum. Apparel and made-up textile exports stood at $1,446 million during the month, marking a 3% increase compared to $1,401 million in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, exports rose by 27%, increasing from $1,142 million in December 2025.

The performance was supported by growth across all three major chapters within the segment.

Chapter 61 (articles of apparel and accessories, knit or crochet) recorded exports of $3,099 million during July–January FY26, up 2.1% from $3,034 million in the same period last year.

Chapter 62 (articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted) showed stronger expansion, rising 5.6% to $2,580 million compared to $2,442 million in FY25.

Chapter 63 (other made-up textile articles, sets, worn clothing, etc.) remained the largest contributor within the group, with exports increasing 2.4% to $3,468 million from $3,385 million a year earlier.

Over the five-year period, Chapter 63 exports increased from $3,439 million in 2021–22 to $3,468 million in 2025–26. Chapter 61 rose from $2,901 million to $3,099 million, while Chapter 62 expanded significantly from $2,174 million to $2,580 million.

The data, based on calculations derived from Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), confirms that value-added apparel and made-up textiles continue to drive Pakistan’s export performance, achieving their highest July–January level in the five-year series covered in the report.

Credit: INP-WealthPk