ISLAMABAD, Nov 4 (Wealth Pakistan) — Pakistan’s textile exports continued to show steady improvement during the first quarter (July–September) of the fiscal year 2025-26, with major value-added categories driving growth. The upward trend signals a gradual recovery in external demand and stronger performance compared with the same period of the last fiscal year.
Textile exports rise 5.6 percent
According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce for 1QFY26, textile group exports climbed to 4.7 billion dollars from 4.5 billion dollars in 1QFY25, registering a growth of 5.63 percent. The sector’s share in overall national exports also expanded from 57.18 percent to 62.83 percent, reaffirming its dominant position in Pakistan’s export profile.
Value-added segments lead growth
The value-added textile categories showed the most significant gains. Knitwear exports rose by 12.21 percent, reaching 1.4 billion dollars compared with 1.2 billion dollars a year earlier. Bedwear exports increased 7.28 percent to 852.87 million dollars against 794.97 million dollars previously. Towel exports edged up 1.44 percent to 265.07 million dollars, indicating stable orders from global buyers in the home textile segment.
Tents, canvas, and tarpaulin products posted the strongest growth, surging 37.93 percent to 39.72 million dollars from 28.80 million dollars in 1QFY25. This reflected renewed international demand for technical and specialised textile products.
Garments and synthetic textiles improve
Exports of readymade garments grew 6.07 percent to 1.05 billion dollars from 996 million dollars in the same quarter last year, supported by improved shipments of fashion and finished apparel. Art silk and synthetic textiles also rose 1.62 percent to 98.04 million dollars from 96.48 million dollars, indicating steady performance in blended fabric categories.
Mixed performance in basic textiles
In contrast, raw and semi-processed textile exports remained subdued. Cotton yarn exports dropped 8.97 percent to 2.5 billion dollars from 2.7 billion dollars, while cotton cloth declined 4.96 percent to 5.1 billion dollars compared to 5.4 billion dollars last year. Analysts said the lower global demand for basic textile materials was offset by the continued expansion of value-added exports, which now represent a larger share of Pakistan’s textile earnings.
Industry outlook and policy support
Industry observers believe the overall 5.63 percent growth highlights resilience in Pakistan’s textile industry despite soft global demand and weak cotton prices. “The improvement in knitwear, bedwear, and garments is a positive signal for export diversification and competitiveness in value-added categories,” said a market analyst.
Made-up articles, including other textile items, recorded an increase to 206 million dollars, while other textile materials rose 1.58 percent to 190 million dollars. The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has urged the government to ensure regionally competitive energy tariffs, rationalised taxation, and a legally backed five-year export policy to sustain growth and encourage further investment in the textile sector.