Pakistan’s textile sector has achieved a historic milestone, with exports soaring to $6.4 billion during the first four months of the fiscal year 2025–26 — the highest ever for this period, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The strong performance reflects renewed momentum in Pakistan’s most crucial export industry, driven by rising global demand and a more stable rupee.
The value-added textile categories once again took the lead as the primary growth engine. Knitwear exports reached $1.9 billion, making it the top-performing category, while ready-made garments climbed to $1.4 billion, marking steady growth compared to the previous year.
Multiple product segments recorded notable surges. Cotton yarn exports rose by 7.74%, reaching $238.9 million, a strong indicator of improving demand in regional markets. Meanwhile, Pakistan also resumed raw cotton exports, posting a dramatic 100% increase to $2.6 million, compared to zero shipments recorded in the same period last year.
Other textile goods performed impressively as well. Tents, canvas, and tarpaulin exports surged 32.34%, bringing in $53.48 million, while made-up articles — excluding towels and bedwear — grew 4.17% to $274.75 million. Ready-made garments posted a consistent 5.11% rise, reaching $1.43 billion, reinforcing their position as one of Pakistan’s strongest value-added contributors.
Industry analysts attribute the robust first-quarter performance to improving global market conditions, enhanced competitiveness of Pakistani textile products, and relative stability in the value of the Pakistani rupee. Exporters say the calmer currency environment has allowed better order planning and price commitments, helping the sector regain confidence after previous years of volatility.
With the textile industry accounting for over 60% of Pakistan’s total exports, this record-breaking growth offers a promising outlook for the remaining months of FY2025–26. Stakeholders, however, continue to stress the need for uninterrupted energy supply, competitive financing, and long-term policy consistency to sustain the upward trajectory.
If the momentum continues, Pakistan could be on track for one of its best-ever annual performances in the textile sector — a crucial step toward stabilizing the country’s external account and boosting economic recovery.
