Pakistan’s exports fell by 3.88% in the first quarter of the fiscal year, totaling $7.59 billion, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The decline represents a $307 million drop compared to last year. Despite the overall contraction, the textile sector showed strong performance, contributing significantly to limiting the fall in exports.
Textile Sector Growth Trends
The textile sector, Pakistan’s largest export segment, recorded a 5.63% increase in shipments during the first quarter, reaching $4.77 billion. Subcategories such as ready-made garments, cotton yarn, knitwear, and bedwear performed well, reflecting consistent international demand.
However, monthly performance was mixed. Textile exports fell 2% in September to $1.57 billion, following a 7.34% decline in August. Industrialists attributed the slowdown to rising cotton prices, high electricity and gas costs, and reduced global orders. Cotton cloth exports dropped 25.32%, while towel exports declined 5.02%.
Other Industrial Sectors
The food sector experienced a 31.42% drop to $1.10 billion. Exports of rice, sugar, vegetables, spices, oilseeds, and tobacco fell sharply, while fish, fruits, and meat showed minor gains.
Industrial goods saw mixed results. Surgical equipment exports increased 1.52% to $111.4 million, and leather exports rose 1.46% to $152.7 million. Sports goods, particularly football, showed growth, though carpet and glove exports declined. Auto parts exports surged 16% to $6.447 million, and rubber tires and tubes increased 16.58% to $28.5 million. Cement exports rose 51.86% to $99 million, signaling robust foreign demand.
Chemical, petroleum, and coal exports declined sharply, dropping 18% and 26.6%, respectively, due to reduced global demand and rising energy costs.
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Industry Outlook
Industrialists stressed the need for stable energy prices, improved logistics, and export-friendly financing to support sustainable Textile Sector Growth. They warned that prolonged challenges could affect production and competitiveness in global markets.
