Pakistan’s textile exports recorded a strong performance in December 2025, rising by 9.97% year-on-year to $1.59 billion compared to $1.45 billion in the same month last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The sector also showed robust momentum on a month-on-month basis, with exports increasing by 21.21% compared to $1.31 billion in November 2025.
On a cumulative basis, textile exports during the first six months of the ongoing fiscal year (6MFY26) grew by 5.16% year-on-year to $9.1 billion, up from $8.65 billion in the corresponding period of FY25. The data underscores the continued importance of the textile sector as the backbone of Pakistan’s export earnings amid a challenging global trade environment.
Despite the improvement in textile shipments, Pakistan’s overall exports as per the balance of payments (BOP) declined by 11.46% year-on-year to $2.75 billion in December 2025, compared to $3.11 billion in December 2024. However, on a sequential basis, total exports rose by 20.82% month-on-month, indicating a recovery in trade flows toward the end of the year.
During December, textile group products remained the country’s largest export category, accounting for 57.92% of total exports. Within the group, knitwear emerged as the top contributor with exports worth $432.13 million, followed by readymade garments at $366.2 million and bed wear at $284.55 million. On a year-on-year basis, knitwear exports increased by 20.36%, while readymade garments recorded a 14% rise. Exports of bed wear also posted a positive growth of 3.05%.
The food group ranked as the second-largest contributor to Pakistan’s exports during the month. However, export earnings from this group declined sharply by 37.58% year-on-year to $433.11 million, compared to $693.85 million in December 2024. On a month-on-month basis, food exports increased by 18.82% from $364.51 million in November 2025.
Cumulatively, food group exports during 6MFY26 fell by 35.52% year-on-year to $2.31 billion, down from $3.58 billion in the same period last year. Within the group, rice remained the leading export item, generating $186.63 million in December 2025. Rice exports recorded a strong growth of 43.68% year-on-year and 15.86% month-on-month, reflecting improved demand and shipment volumes.
In contrast, exports of oil seeds, nuts, and kernels stood at $31.54 million in December, declining by 28.75% year-on-year and 56.54% month-on-month. The data indicates continued volatility in certain agricultural export segments.
Beyond textiles and food, several other export-oriented sectors posted positive growth. Exports of surgical goods and medical instruments increased by 7.74% year-on-year to $45.53 million, while leather manufacturers’ exports rose by 5.61% to $55.13 million. Sports goods exports also showed strong performance, increasing by 20.27% year-on-year to $39.94 million and surging by 36.23% compared to November 2025.
The petroleum group continued to hold a limited share in Pakistan’s export basket, accounting for only 2.83% of total exports in December 2025. However, export earnings from petroleum products rose sharply by 51.26% year-on-year to $77.95 million during the month.
Overall, the SBP data highlights a mixed export performance, with textiles providing significant support to external trade, while food exports faced pressure. The strong month-on-month recovery across several categories suggests improving momentum, though sustaining growth will depend on global demand conditions and domestic cost competitiveness in the months ahead.
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