Pakistan's textile exports rise 5.26% to $5.03 billion in first quarter of FY27

Pakistan's textile and clothing shipments rose 5.26% to $5.026 billion in the first quarter of FY27, compared with $4.775 billion a year earlier, Profit reported, citing Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data released on Thursday. Exporters say higher production costs and disrupted regional trade are weighing on the sector's competitiveness and volumes. They have also cited the halt in trade with Afghanistan, in place since October 2025, and weaker sales to Middle Eastern markets, especially the United Arab Emirates.

Readymade garments were the standout, climbing 15.69% to $1.223 billion from July to September, with volumes up 17.38%. Knitwear rose 4.14% to $1.483 billion, while cotton yarn gained 24.47% and towels increased 10%. Cotton cloth, bedwear, and tents, canvas and tarpaulin shipments, by contrast, registered declines.

Industry representatives warned that shipments could lose further pace in the second quarter if authorities do not ease rising input costs. In the wider picture, total merchandise exports rose 11.13% to $8.445 billion in July to September, while imports climbed 13.20% to $19.213 billion, lifting the goods trade deficit to $10.768 billion from $9.374 billion.