ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s textile exports, the backbone of its economy and a major supplier to global brands, rose nearly 10 percent year-on-year to $3.2 billion in July and August, official data showed, with knitwear and readymade garments leading the growth.
The textile and apparel sector is Pakistan’s largest export earner, accounting for more than half of total exports and contributing around 8.5 percent of GDP by employing nearly 40 percent of the industrial labor force. But high energy costs, outdated infrastructure and policy uncertainty continue to slow growth and leave the country trailing regional peers such as Bangladesh.
“The textile exports from the country were recorded at US $3.203 billion during July–August (2025–26) against the exports of US $2.915 billion during July–August (2024–25),” the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), a state news agency, said in a report.
Knitwear exports surged 16.9 percent to $959 million, while readymade garments rose 10.6 percent to $728 million. Bedwear exports increased by 12 percent to $565 million and towels by 4.8 percent to $179 million.
Other products also contributed to the rise: cotton yarn exports grew by 7.8 percent to $119 million, synthetic textiles by 8 percent to $66 million, and made-up articles by 14.3 percent to $137 million. However, exports of tents, canvas and tarpaulin fell 18.3 percent to $16 million.
Despite the year-on-year increase, monthly exports dipped 9.3 percent in August compared to July, reflecting continuing volatility in the sector.
Pakistan’s commerce minister, Jam Kamal, last month announced the finalization of a five-year Textiles and Apparel Policy and a National Industrial Policy aimed at making the industry regionally competitive, removing trade barriers and ensuring long-term export growth.
