ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s value-added textile exports climbed over 3% year-on-year to $7.7 billion during the first half of fiscal year 2026, provisional figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showed on Wednesday.
The growth was led by higher overseas sales of processed textile products, including knitwear, non-knit garments, fabrics and made-up articles, which recorded gains between July and December.
Officials said exports in the value-added segment rose from $7.46 billion in the same period last year, reflecting steady international demand for finished textile goods.
In contrast, traditional textile exports such as raw and semi-processed items declined to $1.49 billion from $1.65 billion, highlighting continued pressure on upstream segments.
The European Union remained Pakistan’s largest export destination, accounting for $3.67 billion in shipments, followed by the United States at $2.47 billion. Exports to the United Kingdom reached $892 million, while Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates recorded $311 million and $324 million, respectively.
Pakistan Textile Council Chairman Fawad Anwar said the figures showed a widening gap between value-added and upstream sectors, citing high production costs, energy pricing and tax-related challenges.
He said the council has proposed policy measures including competitive energy tariffs, tax relief, export-linked incentives and structural reforms aimed at improving cotton productivity and supporting apparel exports.
