Islamabad, April 17, 2025 – Pakistan’s textile exports witnessed a promising increase of 9.38% during the first nine months (July–March) of the current fiscal year (9MFY25), according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Thursday.
Total textile exports during this period reached $13.61 billion, up from $12.45 billion recorded in the same timeframe last fiscal year. March 2025 alone saw textile exports rise to $1.4 billion, reflecting a 10% year-on-year (YoY) and 1% month-on-month (MoM) growth. This marks the eighth consecutive month of YoY growth, underlining a sustained upward trend in Pakistan’s textile sector during FY25.
Analysts at Topline Securities attributed the YoY growth largely to a 13% surge in the Value-Added Segment, a key driver of recent export performance. On a MoM basis, both Basic Textiles and the Value-Added Segment also posted modest 1% increases, showing steady performance across the board.
In local currency terms, textile exports reached Rs401 billion in March 2025 — a growth of 11% YoY and 1% MoM — reinforcing the sector’s positive momentum. The Value-Added Segment, a priority area for both the government and export-oriented companies, was instrumental in driving this growth. Federal officials, however, emphasized the need for further reforms and innovations to maintain international competitiveness.
Within the Value-Added Segment, Bed Wear posted strong results, rising 19% YoY and 2% MoM to $256 million. Knitwear and readymade garments also performed well, up 15% and 12% YoY, respectively. Towel exports, however, saw a 4% YoY decline. Basic Textiles, including cotton cloth, faced headwinds with a 2% YoY decline overall and a sharp 10% drop in cotton cloth exports.
Overall, during 9MFY25, Pakistan’s textile exports grew 9% YoY in dollar terms and 7% in PKR terms. Value-added items rose 16% YoY, while basic textiles slipped 13%.
Looking ahead, analysts warn that a proposed 29% U.S. tariff on Pakistani textile goods could pose a significant threat to exporters. Despite this, projections suggest exports could reach $18–19 billion by the end of FY25, up from $16.7 billion in FY24.