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Pakistan’s textile and clothing exports continued to struggle in October 2025. The sector posted a 0.67% decline, marking the third straight month of negative growth. This drop highlights rising concerns about the country’s export performance and the persistent pressure on its largest export-earning industry.
The decline contrasts sharply with the 30% rebound recorded in July, showing how unstable global demand and domestic issues continue to shape the sector’s trajectory. According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) data, textile and clothing exports fell to $1.616 billion in October 2025, down from $1.625 billion in the same month last year.
Earlier, exports had already slipped by 1.99% in September and 7.34% in August, extending the sector’s downward trend.
Mixed Performance by Pakistan’s Textile in 4MFY26
The first four months of FY26 show a mixed export picture. Some value-added categories recorded growth. Ready-made garments rose 5.11% in value and 3.64% in quantity. Knitwear grew 8.23% in value and 16.50% in quantity. Bedwear also increased 6.94% in value and 7.16% in quantity.
However, other segments struggled. Towel exports dipped 0.29% in value and 1.39% in quantity. Cotton cloth saw a sharp fall of 12.75% in value and 8.87% in quantity. Industry stakeholders warn that Pakistan’s high cost of doing business, compared to regional competitors, continues to erode export competitiveness.
Some categories, though, posted strong numbers. Yarn exports increased 7.74%. Made-up articles (excluding towels) rose 4.17%. Exports of tents, canvas, and tarpaulin surged 32.34%. Raw cotton exports even doubled during the period.
Import Trends Reveal Shifting Dynamics
PBS data shows major shifts in textile-related imports. Synthetic fibre imports increased 37.15%, while synthetic silk yarn arrivals rose 14.79%. Imports of other textile items also grew 29.21%. Second-hand clothing imports climbed 12.35%. Textile machinery imports surged 50.23%, indicating rising investment in equipment.
However, raw cotton imports declined 20.09%, suggesting a shift in sourcing or domestic availability.
Overall, Pakistan’s exports for 4MFY26 stood at $10.45 billion, down 4.05% from $10.88 billion last year.
Oil & Machinery Imports Continue to Rise
Oil imports saw a slight increase of 0.58%, reaching $5.15 billion in 4MFY26. Petroleum product imports increased 10.47% in value and 21.41% in quantity. Crude oil imports rose 13.52% in value and 23.55% in quantity. In contrast, LNG imports fell 29.18%, while LPG slipped 0.86%.
Machinery imports also recorded strong growth. Total machinery imports jumped 21.54% to $3.54 billion. Power-generating machinery rose 25.18%. Office machinery increased by 52.51%. Construction machinery surged 110.75%. Agriculture machinery grew by 23.54%. However, electrical machinery and apparatus fell 4.42%.
Telecommunication imports rose 42.48%, driven mainly by a 53.18% increase in mobile handset arrivals.
