ISLAMABAD: The textile and clothing exports grew 9.38 per cent during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data showed on Thursday.

The FY25 witnessed robust growth in textile exports before decelerating to single digits in the past two months. It increased by 13pc in August, 17.92pc in September, 13.11pc in October, 10.81pc in Nov, 5.55pc in December, 15.85pc in January and February 9.31pc.

In absolute terms, the textile and clothing exports rose 9.38pc to $13.62bn in July-March FY25 from $12.44bn a year ago.

In March, the exports rose 9.97pc to $1.43bn against $1.30bn last year.

Textile and clothing exports have been static for the last two years despite having a $25 billion installed capacity due to structural issues, according to textile players. The exporters are demanding the early release of various kinds of refunds/rebates that have been pending for many months.

The PBS data showed exports of readymade garments rose 19.05pc in value and 7.84pc in quantity during 9 MFY25, while knitwear rose 16.82pc in value and 9.20pc in quantity. Bedwear grew 13.70pc in value and 12.20pc in quantity.

Towel exports increased 4.46pc in value and 4.02pc in quantity 9MFY25, whereas cotton cloth rose 0.11pc in value and contracted 2pc in quantity.

Yarn exports dipped 32.01pc in 9MFY25. The exports of made-up articles, excluding towels, increased by 9.80pc, and tents, canvas and tarpaulin went up by 14.46pc in 9MFY25. The export of raw cotton plunged 98.45pc during the period under review.

The import of synthetic fibre increased 9.10pc, and the arrival of synthetic and artificial silk yarn increased by 15.23pc. However, imports of other textile items increased by 73.62pc during the period under review.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2025