Pakistan’s readymade garment exports rose five per cent in July to May 2015-16.
The quantity of readymade garment exports went up by four per cent. In May 2016, readymade garments exports were up five percent compared to May 2015. In terms of volume, readymade garments exports were up 2.23 per cent in May 2016 from May 2015.

The growth of readymade garment manufacturing in Pakistan represents a progression towards higher value addition in the global textile chain. Low or intermediate value-added products make up approximately 69 per cent of Pakistan’s total textile exports.

Pakistan’s garment exports have a relatively narrow base, with a few products accounting for the bulk of exports; the top six export products account for over 78 per cent of all garment exports. Export concentration also occurs at the lower end of the price range. For four out of the five most traded products, Pakistan’s average export price is approximately half of the world average export price.

The decision to protect the local fiber industry and impose high tariff and non-tariff barriers on the import of man-made fibers, yarn, and various fabrics has severely limited the export potential of garments. Garment manufacturers are required to produce and export items without imported yarn, fabric, or special trimmings and accessories. This raises costs and reduces international competitiveness. Additionally, given that man-made fibers now comprise 65 per cent of total fiber consumption in the world, Pakistan’s exporters are excluded from a substantial proportion of the market.