Strong annual growth in raw cotton imports highlights continued demand from Pakistan’s textile industry despite a monthly decline in July.
KARACHI: Pakistan’s raw cotton imports increased by 30.01% year-on-year (YoY) in dollar terms in July 2026, reflecting continued demand for a key raw material used by the country’s textile industry, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
According to the PBS statement on imports of selected commodities, raw cotton imports increased by 27.35% in rupee terms and 30.01% in dollar terms compared with July 2025.
The annual increase comes despite a significant decline in raw cotton imports on a month-on-month (MoM) basis.
Raw cotton imports decline in July
Raw cotton imports fell by 18.82% in quantity terms in July compared with June 2026.
The import value declined by 15.48% in rupee terms and 15.37% in dollar terms during the same period.
The monthly decline indicates fluctuations in procurement and shipment schedules, although the strong annual increase points to sustained reliance on imported cotton by textile manufacturers.
Cotton remains a critical input for Pakistan’s textile and apparel industry, which is one of the country’s major sources of export earnings.
Textile imports maintain growth
The overall textile group recorded an increase in imports during July.
On a month-on-month basis, textile group imports rose 5.24% in rupee terms and 5.37% in dollar terms compared with June 2026.
On a year-on-year basis, textile group imports increased by 12.47% in rupee terms and 14.82% in dollar terms.
The figures suggest that demand for textile-related inputs remained relatively strong at the beginning of fiscal year 2026-27.
Synthetic fibre imports show mixed trend
Imports of synthetic fibre increased marginally in July compared with June.
The quantity imported rose 0.85%, while import value increased by 4.21% in rupee terms and 4.34% in dollar terms.
However, the category recorded an annual decline. Compared with July 2025, synthetic fibre imports fell 11.18% in quantity, 5.98% in rupee value and 4.02% in dollar value.
The contrasting monthly and annual trends indicate changing procurement patterns for synthetic textile inputs.
Synthetic and artificial silk yarn imports jump
Imports of synthetic and artificial silk yarn recorded significant monthly growth in July.
The quantity imported increased by 52.04%, while the value rose 42.82% in rupee terms and 43% in dollar terms compared with June.
The category also recorded annual growth, with imports increasing 2.76% in quantity, 16% in rupee value and 18.42% in dollar value compared with July 2025.
Worn clothing imports rise sharply
Imports of worn clothing also recorded substantial annual growth during July.
The quantity imported increased by 36.64% YoY, while the value rose 38.55% in rupee terms and 41.44% in dollar terms.
The increase contributed to the broader rise in textile-related imports during the month.
Textile manufacturers continue to rely on imported inputs
The sharp annual increase in raw cotton imports highlights continued demand for imported textile inputs despite the monthly decline.
The fall in July imports from June could reflect differences in procurement schedules and the timing of shipments by textile manufacturers rather than a sustained reduction in demand.
The latest PBS figures provide an indication of the changing import requirements of Pakistan’s textile industry as manufacturers secure raw materials for domestic production and export-oriented activities.
With textile exports remaining a major source of foreign exchange earnings, trends in raw cotton and other textile input imports will remain important indicators of production activity in the sector.