Pakistan’s textile exports rise 10.5% to $7.61bn in first five months of FY25

Pakistan’s textile and clothing exports rose by 10.51% to $7.61 during the first five months of the current fiscal year 2024-25, up from $6.88 billion in the same period last year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

Textile exports saw consistent growth after an initial 3.09% contraction in July 2024. Export figures rebounded with increases of 13% in August, 17.92% in September, 13.11% in October, and 10.81% in November.

Exports of ready-made garments surged by 23.10% in value and 13.61% in quantity during the first five months. 

Knitwear followed with an 18.42% increase in value and an 8.87% rise in quantity. Bedwear exports grew 15.05% in value and 14.86% in quantity, while towels saw a 7.08% increase in value and 6.90% in quantity.

Cotton cloth exports increased 4.18% in value but declined 2.09% in quantity. Yarn exports, however, experienced a significant drop of 38.70%. 

Meanwhile, made-up articles, excluding towels, rose by 11.61%, and exports of tents, canvas, and tarpaulin increased by 9.63%. No raw cotton exports were recorded during this period.

Industry experts suggest that while the sector benefits from disruptions in supply from Bangladesh, allowing Pakistani garments to capture increased demand, challenges remain due to higher taxation and structural inefficiencies. 

The sector continues to grapple with stagnant exports despite having a $25 billion installed capacity.

On the flip side, raw cotton imports surged by 104.33% during July-November FY25, while the import of synthetic fibres fell by 18.20%. Synthetic silk yarn imports rose 4.30%, and other textile-related imports increased by 68.73%. Second-hand clothing imports grew by 20.22%.