Large industry output rises 4.8pc in July-December
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) sector posted a year-on-year growth of 4.82 per cent in the first half of FY26, indicating a marginal rise in the industrial production.
However, industrial production growth in December 2025 slowed to 0.44pc year-on-year. On a month-on-month basis, it grew 9.26pc, according to figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday.
The food group posted a 0.58pc increase in July-December FY26 on a YoY basis. Wheat and rice milling rose by 3.62pc during the period under review, primarily due to improved crop harvests.
However, cooking oil production increased by 5.24pc, while vegetable ghee production fell by 1.63pc. However, tea blended declined by 6.46pc.
The overall textile sector posted a paltry growth of 1.48pc in July-December 2025-26. Cotton yarn increased by 2.48pc and cotton cloth by 0.22pc, accounting for more than 80pc of the textile sector.
The primary cause of the production slowdown was a slight decline in export unit values amid lower demand for textiles.
Garments production rose 7.48pc in 6MFY26. This rebound indicates a revival in export orders from foreign buyers.
Coke and petroleum production increased 13.39pc in July-December 2025-26. Most petroleum products posted positive growth during the months under review. Petrol production rose by 12.77pc, and high-speed diesel by 22.04pc, respectively.
Automobile production surged 67.21pc in 6MFY26, driven by a 67.36pc jump in jeeps and cars, followed by trucks 107.50pc and buses 42.54pc. However, LCV production declined by 7.17pc. The production of pharmaceutical products dipped by 5.35pc, and that of fertilisers by 1.29pc.
Iron and steel production declined 4.47pc in July-December 2025-26. Billets/ingots, mostly consumed in the construction industry, experienced a 11.76pc decline. Similarly, H/CR sheets/strips/coils/plates dipped by 1.45pc.
The production of rubber products, however, rose by 10.14pc, non-metallic minerals by 10.52pc and electrical equipment by 8.74pc.
Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2026
