Non-textile exports drop 16.6% to $8.25bn in July–February FY26 amid agriculture slump

Pakistan’s non-textile exports fell 16.6% to $8.25 billion in the first eight months of FY26, down from $9.89bn in the same period last year, driven primarily by a steep contraction in agricultural shipments and value-added farm produce, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

The agriculture sector recorded the sharpest decline, with export earnings plummeting 34.4% to $3.39bn from $5.17bn a year earlier, reflecting lower volumes and weakening demand in major overseas markets. Non-agricultural exports, by contrast, posted a 2.96% increase to $4.86bn, supported by gains in engineering products, cement, and select manufacturing segments.

Within the non-agriculture category, engineering goods rose 5.05%, led by shipments of industrial machinery, transport equipment, auto parts, electric fans, and rubber tyres. Cement exports saw a 10.03% increase in value, though volume slipped marginally by 0.59%.

The footwear and leather industries displayed mixed results. Overall footwear exports grew 4.23%, supported by a 29.72% jump in “other footwear” shipments, offsetting declines in canvas footwear (-50.15%) and leather footwear (-1.50%). Leather manufacturing exports were largely stable, with leather garments rising 7.51%, other leather products up 6.50%, but leather gloves and raw leather falling 6.14% and 5.92%, respectively.

In surgical instruments, a globally recognised export category for Pakistan, values remained flat with a minor contraction of 1.12%, as leading brands re-marketed products in Western markets. Traditional handicrafts faced challenges, with carpets and rugs down 11.20%, handicrafts -69.41%, molasses -75.60%, and furniture -0.30%, while gems surged 83.42%.

The sports goods industry recorded strong growth, with exports up 13.26%, driven mainly by a 19% rise in football shipments. Exports of gur products, affected by the closure of the Torkham border, declined 24.15%, highlighting vulnerabilities in trade logistics for niche commodities.

Overall, the performance underscores mounting pressure on key non-textile sectors, with agriculture bearing the brunt, while engineering, gems, and select manufactured products provide limited support to the export portfolio.