Pakistan’s textile and clothing exports rose by 6.2 per cent in March 2017 compared to February 2017.Textile machinery imports rose by 20.8 per cent during July to March fiscal year 2017 as against the same period last year suggesting increased activity in the textile sector which is a healthy sign and will give fruit in future.

Initiatives to boost textile exports have started showing positive results. These include drawbacks for garments at seven per cent, made-ups at six per cent, processed fabrics at five per cent and yarn and greige fabrics at four per cent, zero sales tax on machinery imports and no customs duty on manmade fibers other than polyester.

In July to April exports of readymade garments rose by 5.34 per cent while those of knitwear dropped 0.17 per cent. Exports of bed-wear edged up 5.01per cent while those of towels fell 4.38 per cent. Exports of cotton yarn witnessed a year-on-year decline of 3.68 per cent while those of cotton cloth and yarn (other than cotton) declined 5.73 per cent and 29.48 per cent.

The country imported 82,000 bales of cotton in December 2016-17 compared to 4,75,000 bales in December 2015-16. It imported 2,25,000 bales in January 2016-17 compared to 3,35,276 bales in January 2015-16.