Author: Shahnawaz Akhter

Karachi, March 15, 2024 – Pakistan’s textile sector, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, has encountered a slight setback with a nominal decrease of 0.65 percent in exports during the first eight months (July – February) of the fiscal year 2023-24.

Data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reveals that textile exports amounted to $11.15 billion during this period, compared to $11.22 billion in the corresponding months of the previous fiscal year.

Among the major components of the textile group, knitwear exports experienced a notable decline of 5.69 percent, reaching $2.90 billion during July – February 2023-24, down from $3.08 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Similarly, exports of readymade garments fell by three percent to $2.31 billion, compared to $2.38 billion in the previous fiscal year.

Despite these declines, the export of bed wear witnessed a modest increase of 2.08 percent, reaching $1.87 billion during the first eight months of the current fiscal year, compared to $1.83 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

However, the export of cotton cloth saw a notable decline of 8.71 percent, totaling $1.26 billion during the same period, down from $1.38 billion in the previous fiscal year. Conversely, there was a robust 48 percent increase in the export of cotton yarn during the period under review.

While the textile exports experienced a significant 19.20 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase in February 2024, the sector faced a 3.31 percent month-on-month (MoM) decline in the same month.

The textile industry is a vital contributor to Pakistan’s economy, providing employment opportunities and generating foreign exchange earnings. The marginal decline in textile exports underscores the need for continued efforts to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the sector.

Analysts suggest that factors such as global market dynamics, fluctuations in raw material prices, and evolving consumer preferences may have influenced the performance of Pakistan’s textile exports. They emphasize the importance of adopting strategies to diversify export markets, enhance product quality, and invest in innovation to maintain the sector’s growth trajectory.

As Pakistan navigates through the complexities of the global economy, concerted efforts from stakeholders, including policymakers, industry players, and relevant authorities, will be crucial in realizing the full potential of the country’s textile sector and ensuring its resilience in the face of challenges and uncertainties.