Pakistan’s textile exports reach $5.03 billion in July–September FY2027, driven by strong growth in ready-made garments, cotton yarn and towels.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s textile exports increased by 5.26% during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27 (1QFY27), reaching $5.03 billion compared with $4.78 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, according to official data.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) released the figures on Thursday, showing an increase in textile export earnings from July to September 2026.
The growth was primarily supported by higher exports of ready-made garments, cotton yarn, knitwear, towels and made-up textile articles, although several product categories recorded declines.
Ready-made garments lead textile export growth
Ready-made garments emerged as a major contributor to the increase, with exports rising by 15.69% to $1.22 billion during the first quarter of FY2027, compared with approximately $1.06 billion in the same period last year.
Knitwear exports increased by 4.14% to $1.48 billion from $1.42 billion, maintaining their position as one of Pakistan’s leading textile export categories.
Cotton yarn exports recorded a substantial increase of 24.47%, reaching $227.1 million against $182.4 million a year earlier.
Exports of towels rose by 10% to $291.6 million from $265.1 million, while made-up textile articles, excluding towels and bedwear, increased by 7.89% to $223.1 million.
These gains helped offset declines in several other textile product categories.
Cotton cloth and bedwear exports decline
Cotton cloth exports fell by 5.34% to $425.3 million during July–September FY2027, compared with $449.3 million in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
Bedwear exports remained broadly stable but registered a marginal decline of 0.07%, standing at $852.3 million against $852.9 million a year earlier.
Exports of art, silk and synthetic textiles decreased by 7.01% to $91.2 million, while other textile materials recorded a decline of 6.31% to $178.2 million.
Yarn other than cotton yarn experienced a sharper contraction of 31.99%, with exports falling to $6.2 million from $9.1 million.
Exports of tents, canvas and tarpaulins dropped by 35.29% to $25.7 million compared with $39.7 million in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, raw cotton exports were nil during the first quarter of FY2027, compared with exports valued at approximately $583,000 in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
Textile sector remains crucial to export earnings
The increase in textile exports highlights the sector’s continued contribution to Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings. The industry is a major component of the country’s export base, with garments, knitwear, bedwear and other textile products accounting for substantial export receipts.
However, the contrasting performance across product categories indicates that growth remains uneven. Stronger exports of ready-made garments and cotton yarn were accompanied by declines in cotton cloth, synthetic textiles and certain other textile products.
The latest figures cover the first three months of FY2027 and provide an early indication of the sector’s export performance during the current fiscal year. Sustaining growth in the coming months will remain important for Pakistan’s overall export earnings.