Pakistan’s export sector demonstrated significant sectoral resilience in February 2026, with total receipts reaching $2.48 billion on a Balance of Payments (BOP) basis. While the headline figure reflected a seasonal 9.6 percent decline from January’s revised peak, the underlying performance was bolstered by a dramatic 62 percent monthly surge in ores, slag, and ash exports. This mineral sub-category jumped to $86.8 million, marking its strongest single-month reading in recent history and signaling an acceleration in the shipment of coal, chromite, and other mineral ores. Overall, the mineral products group outperformed other sectors with a 13.6 percent month-on-month gain, contributing $201.7 million to the national exchequer.
The textile industry remained the backbone of the country’s trade, generating $1.36 billion—approximately 56 percent of all bank export receipts for the month. Despite the shorter calendar month, value-added segments showed remarkable depth; knitted and non-knitted apparel together earned $705.8 million, while made-up articles such as bed linen and towels maintained their top-ranking position at $424.2 million. Pakistan’s garment clusters in Karachi and Faisalabad continue to leverage strong relationships with European and American buyers, maintaining a competitive edge over regional rivals through consistent pricing and quality.
Agriculture also provided a robust contribution, led by the cereals category which saw a 12.3 percent monthly increase to $192.6 million. This growth underscores the high international demand for Pakistani rice in markets across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Other specialized sectors also maintained their momentum; Sialkot’s globally recognized sporting goods industry contributed $28 million, while surgical and medical instruments remained stable at $36.9 million. Notably, the paper and paperboard sector witnessed an 88 percent jump to $6.8 million, while defense-related exports continued their upward trajectory, reaching $14.5 million for the month.
These diversified gains across minerals, rice, and specialized manufacturing helped offset the broader seasonal dip in headline export figures. As the State Bank of Pakistan continues to monitor trade receipts, the surge in non-traditional exports—particularly in the mineral and defense sectors—points toward an evolving export base that is less reliant solely on textiles. This diversification is critical for Pakistan as it seeks to stabilize its trade balance and build a more resilient foundation for long-term economic growth.
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