Textile exports drop 7.06pc

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s textile and clothing exports fell 7.06 per cent in March compared with the same month last year, marking a second consecutive monthly decline and signalling weakening global demand.

The fall follows a brief recovery in January, when the sector posted a modest year-on-year increase of 3.14pc, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on Thursday.

The contraction highlights the volatility facing one of the country’s key export industries, where fragile external demand and high domestic costs continue to limit sustained growth. Export proceeds from the sectors have recorded a negative growth since October. The exports fell by 8.56pc in December, 2.57pc in November and 0.57pc in October.

Data show that textile and clothing exports fell slightly to $1.328bn in March 2026 from $1.430bn in March 2025.

The PBS data showed exports of readymade garments dipped 6.18pc in value and 4.95pc in quantity during March FY26, while knitwear dipped 14.27pc in value and 28.42pc in quantity. Bedwear dipped 6.21pc in value and 2.98pc in quantity.

Towel exports slightly increased by 1.26pc in value and 4.98pc in quantity in March FY26, whereas cotton cloth declined by 1.30pc in value but surged by 3.43pc in quantity.

Yarn exports surged 8.32pc YoY in March FY26. The exports of made-up articles, excluding towels, decreased by 2.55pc, while tents, canvas, and tarpaulin increased by 41.07pc in March.

Imports of synthetic fibre decreased 26.33pc, and the arrival of synthetic and artificial silk yarn rose by 11.78pc in March. Import of raw cotton declined by 65.83pc. However, the import of second-hand clothes dipped 8.60pc.

Pakistan’s oil import bill also recorded a 5.85pc decline in the first nine months (July to March) of FY26, falling to $11.245bn from $11.945bn in the same period last year. The slight decrease reflects a slump in demand, particularly for petroleum products.

Data showed a 7.45pc decline in the value of petroleum products, but a 2.45pc rise in quantity during 9MFY26.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2026

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