By Moaaz Manzoor

Pakistan’s textile exports remained largely stable during July–February FY2025-26, inching up 0.26% to $12.22 billion, as gains in value-added segments helped offset declines in some traditional categories, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce.

The textile group continued to dominate the country’s export basket during the eight-month period, with its share rising to 59.69% from 55.20% a year earlier, highlighting the sector’s central position in the country’s overall export earnings.

Within the group, export performance remained mixed. Ready-made garments increased to $2.91 billion from $2.77 billion, posting a growth of 4.92%, while bedwear exports rose to $2.14 billion from $2.12 billion, up 1.03%. Cotton yarn exports also recorded an increase of 3.96% to $0.50 billion.

Other categories that posted gains included tents, canvas and tarpaulin, which rose by 3.26% to $94.36 million. Made-up articles excluding towels increased by 0.99% to $528.48 million, while other textile materials rose by 5.64% to $524.55 million.

On the other hand, some key segments remained under pressure. Cotton cloth exports declined to $1.12 billion from $1.28 billion, registering a fall of 12.03%. Art silk and synthetic textiles dropped by 7.98% to $249.22 million, while towels declined by 2.52% to $710.98 million.

Knitwear exports, one of the largest categories, remained broadly stable at $3.41 billion, recording a marginal increase of 0.35%, which helped support the overall performance of the textile group.

Among smaller categories, raw cotton exports increased to $2.61 million from $0.87 million, while cotton carded or combed recorded a decline. However, these segments account for a relatively small share within the overall textile basket.

Overall, the data indicates a mixed trend within textile exports, where growth in value-added segments such as garments and bedwear helped maintain overall stability despite declines in cotton cloth and some other categories.

Credit: INP-WealthPk