ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s textile and clothing exports recorded a paltry growth of 3.14 per cent in January from a year ago, signalling a revival in the export proceeds from the sectors.
The export proceeds from the sector recorded a negative growth since October. Exports fell by 8.56pc in December 2025, 2.57pc in November, and 0.57pc in October.
The January slight increase revives hopes of a rebound in exports from the sector, as reflected in data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday.
Official data showed that textile and clothing exports rose to $1.738bn in January from $1.685bn in the same month last year.
The data showed exports of readymade garments surged 9.64pc in value and 10.68pc in quantity during January FY26, while knitwear dipped 8.55pc in value and 18.03pc in quantity. Bedwear increased 6.88pc in value and 8.72pc in quantity.
Towel exports surged 14.09pc in value and 6.41pc in quantity in January FY26, whereas cotton cloth went up slightly 0.02pc in value and 3.09pc in quantity, respectively.
Yarn exports surged 12.88pc YoY in January FY26. Exports of made-up articles, excluding towels, increased by 8.77pc, while tents, canvas, and tarpaulin declined by 18.37pc in January.
The import of synthetic fibre decreased 46.98pc, and the arrival of synthetic and artificial silk yarn dipped by 22.46pc in January FY26. The import of raw cotton declined by 46.98pc during the month under review compared with a year ago. However, the import of second-hand clothes grew 28.86pc during the month under review.
Oil imports fall
Pakistan’s oil import bill also showed a negative growth of 4.39pc in 7MFY26, reaching to $9.046bn from $9.461bn in the same period last year. The slight decrease reflects a slump in demand, particularly for petroleum products.
Data shows a 1.81pc decline in the value of petroleum products, but a 7.72pc rise in quantity in 7MFY26.
Crude oil imports increased by 8.22pc, with a 16.91pc rise in quantity, indicating that local refineries are processing more crude oil. On the other hand, imports of liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas fell by 26.20pc and 4.98pc, respectively, reflecting reduced demand for energy products.
The imports of the telecommunication group surged by 30.78pc year-on-year, mainly due to an increase in mobile phone imports in 7MFY26. The import of mobile handsets increased by 31.36pc to $1.139bn during the first seven months of the current fiscal year, compared with $867.68m over the corresponding period last year.
Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2026
