Pakistan’s textile sector recorded modest growth during the first eleven months of FY2025-26, with exports increasing by 1.83% to $16.67 billion, reflecting continued resilience in the country’s largest export-oriented industry.

According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), textile exports rose from $16.37 billion during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year to $16.67 billion in July–May FY2025-26.

The growth was primarily driven by higher exports of value-added textile products. Knitwear remained the largest export category, generating $4.60 billion in export earnings, followed by ready-made garments at $3.97 billion and bedwear at $2.90 billion. These segments continued to support overall export performance amid challenging global market conditions.

Ready-made garment exports posted a 5.43% increase during the period, while bedwear exports grew by 2.23% and knitwear exports recorded a 1.03% rise compared to the same period last year.

Other textile categories that registered notable growth included cotton yarn, which increased by 13.35%, made-up articles excluding towels and bedwear, and other textile materials. Raw cotton exports also recorded a sharp increase, albeit from a relatively low base.

Despite the positive overall performance, some segments remained under pressure. Cotton cloth exports declined by 7.43%, while exports of art silk and synthetic textiles fell by 9.73%. Marginal declines were also recorded in towel exports, tents and canvas products, and non-cotton yarn categories.

On a year-on-year basis, textile exports increased by 7.13% in May 2026, reaching $1.64 billion compared to $1.53 billion in the same month last year. The sector also showed strong month-on-month momentum, with exports rising 10.8% from $1.48 billion in April to $1.64 billion in May.

The improvement in textile exports coincided with stronger overall export performance. Pakistan’s total exports reached $2.69 billion in May 2026, reflecting a 9% increase over the previous month and a modest rise compared to May 2025.

As Pakistan’s largest export sector, textiles continue to play a critical role in generating foreign exchange earnings, supporting industrial activity, and contributing to employment. Analysts believe sustained growth in value-added textile exports will remain essential for strengthening the country’s external sector and achieving higher export targets in the coming years.