ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s textile and clothing exports recorded a growth of 9.6% in the first half of the fiscal year 2024-25, said data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The growth came despite some challenges faced by the sector.
From July to December 2024, the textile sector witnessed an increase of $9.08 billion compared to $8.28 billion during the same period last year. Growth was also consistent, but monthly increases of exports were majorly seen during August, September, October, November, and December. This means that growth increased by 13% during August and by 17.92% during September, while during July, growth saw a small fall of 3.09%.
According to experts, there is an increased challenge to the textile industry competing with the neighboring countries in the region due to taxes and financial setbacks. Nevertheless, a crisis in the textile manufacturing in Bangladesh has brought an increase in the demand for products from Pakistan.
Major Export Commodities
Readymade Garments: 22.48% growth in value, and 10% in volume
Knitwear: 18.42% growth in value, and 8.87% in volume
Bedwear: 14.75% growth in value, and 14.27% in volume.
Towels: The exports grew by 5.97% in terms of value and 5.65% in terms of quantity.
The decrease has been recorded for the following items:
Yarn: Down by 37.96%
Raw Cotton: Down by 98.85%
In terms of import, the increase in the imports was seen for synthetic silk yarn at 9.86%, and textile machinery, which recorded a rise of 53.90%. In raw cotton, it is up by 154.93%.
The government has introduced new measures, such as higher taxes for exporters, but the sector hopes for quicker processing of rebate and refund payments, which have been delayed.
Total exports of Pakistan increased by 11.04% in the first half of FY25 to $16.64 billion against $14.98 billion in the same months last year.
Conclusion Pakistan’s textile industry is booming. Despite its difficulties, it still has an upward trend. This sector could, with appropriate policies and support, compete even more effectively in the global market.
