Pakistan textile exports reach $12.25 billion in eight months of FY26

February shipments fall 7% MoM to $1.31 billion as overall exports drop 7.3% and trade deficit widens to about $25 billion
Pakistan’s textile exports during July–February of FY2025–26 rose slightly by $32 million, or 0.3%, reaching $12.249 billion compared with the same period last year, according to “Trade Outlook of Pakistan – July–February 2025–26,” compiled by the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC).

However, exports from the sector slowed on a monthly basis. Textile shipments in February declined by $102 million, or about 7%, compared with January, with exports recorded at $1.315 billion.

PTC data shows that the sector has maintained overall stability during the current fiscal year but has shown signs of monthly slowdown.

During the eight-month period, agriculture and food exports were recorded at $3.58 billion, down 32% compared with the same period last year. Manufacturing and energy sector exports increased marginally by 0.2% to $3.995 billion, while mining exports rose 22% to $567 million.

Exports to the Middle East increased by 7% to $2.37 billion, while shipments to the United States rose 2% to $3.97 billion. Exports to South America also grew by 11%.

However, several other markets recorded declines. Textile exports to the European Union fell 2% to $6.01 billion, while shipments to the United Kingdom declined 3%. Exports to ASEAN dropped 44%, exports to Central Asian Republics and Afghanistan fell 53%, South Asia declined 18%, and Africa recorded an 11% decrease.

Pakistan’s broader external trade data also indicated growing pressure on the trade balance. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), total exports during July–February FY26 stood at $20.462 billion, down 7.3% compared with $22.073 billion in the same period last year.

Imports during the period increased by 8.06% to $45.504 billion, up from $42.110 billion a year earlier. As a result, the trade deficit widened to about $25.04 billion compared with $20.04 billion in the previous year.

On a year-on-year basis, exports in February 2026 fell 8.76% to $2.272 billion compared with $2.490 billion in February 2025. Imports also declined slightly by 1.61% to $5.253 billion.

On a month-on-month basis, exports dropped 25.63% from $3.055 billion recorded in January 2026, while imports decreased 9.51% from $5.805 billion during the previous month, according to PBS data.

Source:https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/03/04/pakistan-textile-exports-reach-12-25-billion-in-eight-months-of-fy26/