By Farooq Awan

Pakistan’s textile and apparel exports to the United States increased to $2.925 billion during July–January FY26, compared to $2.820 billion in the corresponding period of FY25, according to the Monthly Report of Pakistan’s Textile & Apparel Exports prepared by the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC)

The United States remained Pakistan’s second-largest export destination for textile and apparel products during the period under review, accounting for a substantial share of total value-added exports.

The five-year trend outlined in the report shows notable fluctuations in shipments to the US market. Exports peaked at $3.356 billion in July–January 2021–22, the highest level recorded in the five-year series. This was followed by a decline to $2.737 billion in 2022–23 and a further drop to $2.490 billion in 2023–24.

The downward trend reversed in 2024–25, when exports recovered to $2.820 billion, before increasing further to $2.925 billion in 2025–26. Although still below the 2021–22 peak, the latest figure reflects continued recovery in demand from the US market.

Product-level data shows mixed trends across key categories. Exports of men’s or boys’ cotton ensembles (HS 62032200) declined 21.31% from $382 million in July–January FY25 to $300 million in FY26.

Cotton towels (HS 63026010) rose 7.34% from $205 million to $220 million. Jerseys and similar articles made of other textile materials (HS 61109000) showed strong performance, increasing 23.34% from $158 million to $195 million.

Men’s or boys’ cotton trousers and bib overalls (HS 62034200) also expanded sharply, climbing from $80 million to $111 million, reflecting a 39.23% increase.

Among other apparel items, exports of other T-shirts of textile materials (HS 61099090) declined 12.45% to $109 million. Men’s or boys’ shirts (HS 61059000) rose modestly to $109 million from $106 million, while T-shirts, singlets and waistcoats (HS 61091000) increased from $87 million to $102 million.

Other hosiery of cotton (HS 61159500) rose to $100 million from $87 million, and trousers of other textile materials (HS 61034900) increased from $66 million to $84 million.

However, exports of cotton bed sheets (HS 63023110) declined from $80 million to $69 million during the period. The figures are based on calculations using data sourced from the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

According to the July–January FY26 data, exports to the United States showed continued recovery after three years of volatility, reinforcing the market’s importance for Pakistan’s textile and apparel sector.

Credit: INP-WealthPk