Value-added textile exporters reject the PM’s claim of slackness

Value-added textile exporters have pushed back against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's claim that some export industries received decades of state support without results. The Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association and the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, as reported by Business Recorder, say exports must be judged against high costs and fierce global competition.

Citing official data, the bodies said textile shipments advanced 5.55 per cent, reaching $3.379 billion over July and August 2026, while garment sales abroad gained 13.59 per cent, to $827 million. They argued the prime minister ignored this full record and unfairly blamed exporters. Their demands are cheaper power and gas, affordable working capital, faster refunds and predictable taxes, because higher energy, finance and compliance costs shape the prices offered to overseas buyers, since Pakistani firms compete with Bangladesh, India, Vietnam and China.

Late refunds and delayed export receipts are tying up funds needed for inputs, wages and expansion, the exporters said. Former PHMA chairman Abdul Hameed argued that export results cannot be detached from business costs. Over the longer term, textile exports totalled $17.932 billion in fiscal 2025-26, though growth was just 0.26 per cent. They want clear, uniform and predictable export rules, aimed at raising overall shipments rather than favouring selected units.