SLAMABAD: Pakistan’s textile and clothing exports rebounded by 15.85% in January compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Monday.
From the beginning of the fiscal year, textile exports have shown consistent growth, recording a 13% rise in August, 17.92% in September, 13.11% in October, 10.81% in November, and 5.55% in December. However, January saw a strong rebound in export growth, returning to double digits as projected by industry experts. This surge has been partially attributed to disruptions in supply from Bangladesh, increasing demand for Pakistani garments in the international market.
In absolute terms, textile and clothing exports reached $1.68 billion in January FY25, up from $1.45 billion in the same month last year. Cumulatively, exports for the first seven months (July-January) of FY25 stood at $10.77 billion, marking a 10.60% increase from $9.74 billion recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year.
Export Facilitation Scheme Concerns
The Pakistan Textile Exporters Association has urged the government not to alter the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS), warning that any modifications could create cash flow issues for exporters. According to industry representatives, the EFS has played a significant role in driving export growth during the current fiscal year.
Despite a $25 billion installed capacity, textile and clothing exports have remained stagnant for the past two years due to structural challenges. Exporters are also calling for the swift release of pending refunds and rebates, which have been delayed for several months.
Breakdown of Export Performance
PBS data revealed that:
- Readymade garment exports grew by 21.90% in value and 8.73% in quantity during the first seven months of FY25.
- Knitwear exports increased by 18.16% in value and 9.78% in quantity.
- Bedwear exports saw a 14.71% rise in value and 14.04% in quantity.
- Towel exports improved by 6% in value and 6.67% in quantity.
- Cotton cloth exports increased by 3.99% in value but declined by 1.44% in quantity.
- Yarn exports experienced a sharp decline of 35.77%.
- Exports of made-up articles, excluding towels, increased by 10.98%.
- Tents, canvas, and tarpaulin exports rose by 18.91%.
- Raw cotton exports dropped significantly by 98.90%.
Import Trends
On the import side:
- Synthetic fiber imports declined by 1.32%, while synthetic silk yarn imports rose by 12.13%.
- Imports of other textile items surged by 73.80%.
- Raw cotton imports saw a substantial increase of 194.41%.
- Imports of second-hand clothing grew by 24.27%.
- The import of textile machinery also jumped by 60.36% in the first seven months of FY25 compared to the same period last year.
Overall Export Growth
Pakistan’s total exports increased by 10.17% in July-January FY25, reaching $19.58 billion, up from $17.77 billion during the same period last year. This positive trend underscores the resilience of Pakistan’s textile sector and its growing demand in global markets.
