Textile Exports Remain Flattish
Staff Report:
Pakistan Textile exports stood at US$1.4bn in February 2025, remaining flattish year-on-year while declining 16% month-on-month. This marks the first flattish year-on-year trend after six consecutive months of growth. The 16% month-on-month drop is the largest in nearly four years, with a similar decline previously recorded in May 2021.
The flattish year-on-year trend was primarily driven by a 20% decline in basic textiles, while the month-on-month decline was seen across all segments. Value-added textiles recorded a 17% month-on-month drop, basic textiles fell 13% month-on-month, and other segments declined 14% month-on-month.
In PKR terms, Pakistan’s textile exports stood at Rs395bn, flattish year-on-year while down 16% month-on-month.imports and exports of india
The value-added segment saw a 6% year-on-year rise while experiencing a 17% month-on-month fall. Within this segment, knitwear played a significant role in both trends, increasing 9% year-on-year but declining 22% month-on-month to US$366mn in February 2025.
Other value-added segments such as bedwear, towels, and readymade garments recorded year-on-year increases of 2%, 3%, and 7%, respectively, while posting month-on-month declines of 14%, 5%, and 17% to US$250mn, US$97mn, and US$329mn, respectively.
Basic textiles witnessed a 20% year-on-year and 13% month-on-month decline to US$203mn in February 2025. The major drop came from cotton yarn, which fell 34% year-on-year and 21% month-on-month to US$51mn.
During the first eight months of FY25, Pakistan recorded textile exports of US$12.2bn, reflecting a 9% year-on-year growth, with a 7% year-on-year increase in PKR terms. Basic textiles fell 15%, whereas value-added textiles rose by 16% year-on-year, with readymade garments contributing a 20% year-on-year rise.
It is expected that textile exports will reach US$18-19bn in FY25 compared to US$16.7bn in FY24.
According to a news report, the All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has urged the government to provide gas at RLNG ring-fenced prices without cross-subsidies and allow direct RLNG imports to maintain textile export competitiveness. With gas prices surging to $15.38/MMBtu, Pakistan’s textile sector faces a major cost disadvantage against regional competitors. Addressing grid constraints and ensuring gas supply for efficient cogeneration plants are crucial for the industry’s sustainability.
