Pakistan’s textile group exports recorded a sharp increase in July 2026, reaching $1.814 billion compared with $1.267 billion in June, according to provisional data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The export value increased 43.13% month-on-month and was also 8.07% higher than the $1.679 billion recorded in July 2025. In rupee terms, textile group exports stood at Rs504,342 million during the month, reflecting a strong start to the new fiscal year for one of Pakistan’s largest export-oriented sectors.
The monthly increase was spread across several major textile categories, with knitwear continuing to hold the largest share of textile export receipts. Knitwear exports increased 46.60% month-on-month to $533.84 million in July, while remaining 4.06% higher on a year-on-year basis. Bedwear exports also recorded substantial growth, rising 47.13% from June to $308.50 million. On an annual comparison, bedwear exports were 4.16% higher than the corresponding period last year. Readymade garments posted another significant increase, with exports climbing 45.87% month-on-month to $459.99 million and registering 15% growth compared with July 2025.
Towels recorded the strongest month-on-month growth among the major textile export categories. Exports of towels increased 60.35% from the previous month to $106.36 million and were 13.37% higher year-on-year. Made-up articles, excluding towels and bedwear, also recorded strong growth, with exports rising 58.51% month-on-month to $77.21 million. The category was 10.56% higher than its export value in July 2025. The performance of these segments contributed significantly to the overall increase in textile export earnings during July.
Cotton cloth exports also registered a notable monthly increase, rising 26.27% to $141.59 million. Despite the monthly improvement, cotton cloth exports were marginally lower on a year-on-year basis, declining 0.10%. Cotton yarn exports increased at a more moderate pace, rising 3.91% month-on-month to $66.53 million, while recording stronger annual growth of 18.69%. Exports of art, silk and synthetic textiles climbed 30.57% month-on-month to $30.41 million, although the category remained 8.22% below its level in July 2025.
The increase in textile exports was accompanied by a more modest rise in textile-related imports. Pakistan’s textile group imports totalled $682.21 million in July, up 5.37% from $647.43 million in June. Compared with July 2025, textile imports were 14.82% higher than the $594.17 million recorded a year earlier. In rupee terms, textile group imports stood at Rs189,930 million during July. The import figures indicate continued demand for raw materials and intermediate products used in the textile production chain.
Raw cotton remained a major component of Pakistan’s textile imports, although its import value declined on a monthly basis. Raw cotton imports fell 15.37% month-on-month to $186.34 million in July. Despite the monthly decline, imports were 30.01% higher compared with July 2025, pointing to stronger annual demand for imported cotton. Synthetic and artificial silk yarn imports moved in the opposite direction, increasing 43% month-on-month to $125.84 million and rising 18.42% year-on-year.
Imports of worn clothing also increased during the month, rising 6.30% month-on-month to $62.36 million. On a year-on-year basis, worn clothing imports recorded a much stronger increase of 41.44%. Synthetic fibre imports rose 4.34% month-on-month to $72.42 million, although they remained 4.02% lower than the amount recorded in July 2025.
The July data shows a substantial increase in Pakistan’s textile export earnings compared with both the previous month and the same month last year. Major export categories including knitwear, bedwear, readymade garments, towels and made-up articles all recorded strong monthly gains, while several categories also posted annual growth. At the same time, textile imports increased at a considerably slower monthly pace than exports, with raw cotton, synthetic yarn, worn clothing and synthetic fibres accounting for significant portions of the import bill. The figures underline the continued importance of textile products in Pakistan’s merchandise export performance as the country begins fiscal year 2026-27.
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