Textile Exports Fall on Sluggish Demand
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s textile and clothing exports fell by 7.22 per cent in February compared to the same month last year, underscoring weakening demand in global markets. The decline follows a brief rebound in January, when the sector managed a modest year-on-year increase of 3.14pc, according to figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
This reversal highlights the volatility facing one of the country’s most critical industries, where international demand remains fragile and growth spurts are short-lived. The export proceeds from the sectors recorded a negative growth since October:
- December: -8.56pc
- November: -2.57pc
- October: -0.57pc
Official data showed that textile and clothing exports fell slightly to $1.311bn in February from $1.413bn a year ago.
Raw Material & Import Trends
The import of synthetic fibre decreased 46.98pc, and the arrival of synthetic and artificial silk yarn dipped by 10.55pc in February FY26. The import of raw cotton declined by 59.16pc during the month under review compared with a year ago. However, the import of second-hand clothes grew 10.40pc during the month under review.
Oil Imports Fall
Pakistan’s oil import bill also showed a negative growth of 6.35pc in the first eight months of FY26, reaching $10.029bn from $10.709bn in the same period last year. The slight decrease reflects a slump in demand, particularly for petroleum products.
- Petroleum Products: 6.23pc decline in value, but a 3.73pc rise in quantity during 8MFY26.
- Crude Oil: Increase of 6.64pc in value, with a 16.55pc rise in quantity, indicating that local refineries are processing more crude oil.
- Gas (LNG & LPG): Imports fell by 26.13pc and 3.94pc, respectively, reflecting reduced demand for energy products.
Telecommunication Group Surge
Imports of the telecommunication group surged by 29.54pc year-on-year, mainly due to higher mobile phone arrivals, which surged by 29.59pc to $1.295bn during 8MFY26 compared with $1.368bn in the corresponding months of the last year.
