Pakistan’s textile exports rise 10.43% to $1.65 billion in May, reach $18.22 billion in 11 months of FY26

Pakistan’s textile exports increased 10.43% year-on-year to $1.656 billion in May 2026, taking cumulative exports during July-May FY26 to a provisional $18.22 billion as the sector continued to post higher earnings despite monthly fluctuations during the fiscal year.

This compares with $17.88 billion in FY25, $16.68 billion in FY24 and $16.51 billion in FY23, showing a gradual increase over the past four fiscal years.

The improvement, however, remained modest when compared with the sector’s export potential and regional competition.

Monthly figures for FY26 showed uneven performance during the year. Textile exports were recorded at $1.31 billion in July before rising to $1.69 billion in August.

Exports then stood at $1.58 billion in September and $1.62 billion in October. The sector saw a decline in November and December, with exports falling to $1.42 billion and $1.35 billion, respectively.

Exports recovered in January 2026 to $1.74 billion, the highest monthly level recorded during the fiscal year.

The recovery did not continue in the following two months, as exports declined to $1.31 billion in February and $1.33 billion in March.

In the final quarter, textile exports rose again, reaching $1.48 billion in April, up 20.92% year-on-year, before increasing further to $1.656 billion in May.

Industry observers said the sector’s growth remained linked to external market conditions and continued to face domestic supply-side issues. They pointed to lower domestic cotton production, increased dependence on imported raw material, higher energy costs and input price volatility as key challenges for the textile sector.